Democrats Divided as Senate Passes Republican-Led Budget Deal

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Democrats Divided as Senate Passes Republican-Led Budget Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Senate passed a Republican-led spending bill just hours before a government shutdown, sending the measure to President Trump for approval. The 54-46 vote exposed deep Democratic divisions, as some members supported the bill to prevent a shutdown, while others decried it as a “blank check” for Trump. Despite efforts to oppose the measure, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer shifted course, arguing that a shutdown would grant Trump even more power over federal operations. House Democrats blasted the move, calling it a surrender to GOP control.

Quick Looks

Senate approved Republican spending bill, 54-46, just hours before a shutdown deadline.
Schumer backed the measure, arguing a shutdown would hand Trump more power.
House Democrats opposed the bill, calling it a “capitulation” to Trump and Musk’s agenda.
Spending bill funds the government through September, cutting $13 billion from non-defense programs while increasing defense spending by $6 billion.
10 Senate Democrats voted to advance the bill, while only two supported final passage.
President Trump praised Schumer’s decision, a rare moment of bipartisan agreement.
House Republicans forced the Senate to accept their version, blocking a short-term funding extension.
Democrats warn the bill gives Trump vast control over spending, allowing funds to be redirected from public health to deportation efforts.
An amendment to eliminate funding for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) failed, despite bipartisan concerns.
Bernie Sanders warned of a “one-two punch,” predicting a GOP tax cut bill tied to spending reductions would follow.

Deep Look

With just hours to spare, the Senate narrowly approved a Republican-backed spending bill, sending it to President Donald Trump for final approval and avoiding an imminent government shutdown. The 54-46 vote was largely along party lines, but the real battle played out among Democrats, who were deeply divided over how to confront the Trump administration.

Schumer’s Gamble: Choosing Stability Over Shutdown

At the heart of the debate was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s last-minute shift in strategy. Initially, Schumer allowed frustration to build within his party, letting members voice their anger over the GOP-drafted bill that excluded most Democratic priorities. But on the eve of the vote, he changed course, making it clear that he would not allow a government shutdown.

“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer warned, referring to the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been rapidly downsizing federal agencies. “Trump and Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”

His decision outraged progressive Democrats, who had hoped to force a shutdown to pressure Republicans into negotiations.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and dozens of House members rushed back to the Capitol in a last-ditch effort to persuade Senate Democrats to reject the bill.

“The American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican dysfunction and chaos,” read a letter from 66 House Democrats urging opposition to the bill.

But Schumer’s concern was strategic—he feared that a shutdown would actually give Trump more control by allowing the White House to deem agencies “non-essential” and furlough workers indefinitely.

What’s in the Spending Bill?

The legislation, which funds the government through September, includes:

$13 billion in cuts to non-defense spending compared to last year.
A $6 billion increase in defense funding.
No new funding for Democratic priorities like health care and housing programs.
Expanded presidential discretion over federal spending, allowing Trump to redirect money with minimal oversight.

Democrats attempted to add amendments, including one to eliminate funding for DOGE, but Republicans blocked all proposed changes. The GOP-led House had already passed the bill earlier in the week, leaving the Senate no choice but to approve it or risk a shutdown.

Democratic Backlash: Anger Over “Blank Check” for Trump

While Schumer defended the bill as the lesser of two evils, progressive Democrats blasted it as a surrender.

“The constituents I represent need Democrats to stand up to this rogue administration,” said Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV). “What they got from Senate Democrats today was capitulation instead.”

Many Democrats were particularly frustrated by how much power the bill gives Trump. Unlike typical spending bills, which come with detailed funding directives, this measure removes hundreds of specific allocations, giving the White House vast discretion over how funds are spent.

A Democratic memo circulated before the vote raised concerns that the bill would allow Trump to redirect funds meant for combating fentanyl and instead use them for mass deportation initiatives.

“This is a blank check for Trump to fund his agenda unchecked,” said Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Unexpected Support from Trump

In an unexpected twist, Trump himself praised Schumer for supporting the bill.

“Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took ‘guts’ and courage!” Trump posted on his social media account.

Just a day earlier, the former president had been preparing to blame Democrats for a shutdown, but after Schumer’s pivot, Trump changed his tone, signaling that the bill aligned with his administration’s interests.

Republicans Stand Firm, Blame Democrats for the Standoff

Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), dismissed Democratic opposition, arguing that any blame for a shutdown would fall squarely on Democrats.

“Democrats need to decide if they’re going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they’re going to shut down the government,” Thune said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also framed the bill as a victory for GOP unity, saying Republicans had stood together to get the job done.

What’s Next: A Second GOP Bill Targeting Tax Cuts

The spending bill is just the first step in what Democrats fear will be a larger GOP economic strategy.

“You’re looking at a one-two punch,” warned Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). “A very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people.”

Sanders was referring to a Republican effort to extend tax cuts from Trump’s first term, partially paid for by cuts to government programs. That measure is expected to move forward in the coming months, setting up another fiscal showdown.

Final Thoughts: A Divided Democratic Party Faces an Uncertain Future

The passage of this spending bill highlights deep divisions within the Democratic Party. While moderates argue that preventing a shutdown was necessary, progressives believe Democrats missed an opportunity to push back against Trump’s expanding control.

As revenue-sharing in Division I sports begins in July, the battle over government spending is far from over. The next few months will test how much influence Democrats can wield in a GOP-controlled Washington—and whether they can unite behind a stronger strategy moving forward.