The Senate has passed a continuing resolution that prevents a government shutdown, garnering support from both parties late Friday. This spending bill will fund the government through September of this year.
There was some uncertainty surrounding the bill as Senate Democrats debated whether to oppose it and risk being blamed for a shutdown, or to support it and appear to give in to the Trump administration’s demands. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced his support for the bill on Friday, which sparked criticism from several Democrats. A group of 66 House Democrats signed a letter urging Senate Democrats to vote against the resolution, expressing their strong opposition to what they called a partisan bill that could legitimize President Trump and the Republican agenda.
Among the critics was Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who labeled Schumer’s decision as “a tremendous mistake.” Despite this dissent, nine other Senate Democrats backed Schumer and voted to bring the bill to the floor. Ultimately, the resolution passed with a vote of 62 to 38. Senators who joined Schumer in support included Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) voted against the bill.
The final vote on the resolution was largely along party lines, with the measure passing 54 to 46. Senators King and Shaheen voted with the Republicans, while Paul sided with the Democrats in opposition. This bipartisan effort highlights the ongoing struggles within the Democratic Party as they navigate their stance on government funding and relations with the Republican majority.