Senate Democrats Defy Trump’s Budget, Risk Shutdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ With just one day before a government shutdown, Senate Democrats are refusing to approve a Republican-led budget bill that fails to limit President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s drastic cuts to federal agencies. Instead, Democrats are pushing a 30-day stopgap measure, but with Republicans in control of Congress, its chances are slim. The standoff highlights the struggle of Democrats to counter Trump’s sweeping reductions in government operations while avoiding a shutdown.
Senate Budget Showdown: Quick Look
- Who: Senate Democrats vs. Republican-controlled Congress
- What: Democrats oppose GOP funding bill over deep federal cuts
- Where: U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
- Why: Trump and Musk’s government downsizing efforts spark backlash
- Key Proposals:
- GOP: Full-year funding with significant agency reductions
- Democrats: 30-day stopgap measure to delay layoffs
- Major Objections: Democrats say GOP budget enables reckless dismantling of government services
- Shutdown Deadline: Friday at midnight
Senate Democrats Defy Trump’s Budget, Risk Shutdown
Senate Budget Showdown: Deep Look
With a government shutdown deadline just hours away, Senate Democrats are mounting a last-minute resistance against a Republican-led spending bill that would keep the government running but fail to curb sweeping layoffs orchestrated by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
The House-passed budget, which Senate Republicans are pushing forward, allows Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to continue its aggressive reductions in the federal workforce. Over 100,000 jobs have already been cut, and entire agencies—such as the Department of Education—are being dismantled.
Democrats’ Last Stand?
Democrats, under pressure from their progressive base, are attempting to stall the GOP plan with a 30-day temporary funding bill that would halt the most extreme cuts. But with Republicans controlling Congress, the effort seems doomed.
“It’s time to fish or cut bait,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, signaling that Republicans are ready to force Democrats into an ultimatum: accept the GOP’s budget or take the blame for a government shutdown.
House Republicans, unusually unified behind Speaker Mike Johnson, left town after passing the bill, leaving Senate Democrats scrambling for leverage. With a 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate, Democrats lack the votes to stop the bill outright but can filibuster it, forcing last-minute negotiations.
Tough Choices for Democrats
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to fight the GOP’s proposed cuts but acknowledges the political risks. “We’re united in opposing this reckless dismantling of government,” Schumer said, arguing that the Republican plan will harm essential services.
But some fear that if Democrats push too hard, they’ll be blamed for a shutdown. “They’ll cave,” predicted Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). “They say they’re against job cuts, but now they’re willing to shut down the whole government?”
Some progressives argue that Democrats should hold their ground. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) called the GOP budget a “billionaire giveaway,” accusing Musk and Trump of using government resources to enrich themselves.
Economic Fallout Looms
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that a government shutdown would harm the economy, especially as financial markets remain shaky due to Trump’s escalating trade war.
“I can tell you what’s not good for the economy—this government shutdown,” Bessent said. “I don’t know what Democrats are thinking here. They’re going to own it.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) fired back at Trump and Musk, calling them “two billionaires who don’t know the first thing about what American families need.”
What Happens Next?
As the midnight deadline looms, Democrats face a critical decision:
- Filibuster the GOP bill and force a shutdown, betting that public backlash will land on Trump rather than them.
- Pass the Republican budget and allow Trump’s government cuts to continue unchecked.
- Negotiate a last-minute deal, though Republicans have little incentive to budge.
Schumer is expected to push for a vote on the Democrats’ 30-day stopgap bill, but if it fails—as expected—the Senate will have to decide whether to approve the GOP plan before Friday’s midnight deadline.
For now, the fate of the federal workforce—and the U.S. government itself—hangs in the balance.
