Democrats Divided as Senate Races to Avert Government Shutdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As the midnight deadline for a government shutdown approaches, Senate Democrats face a difficult choice—approve a spending bill that grants Trump broad budgetary discretion or risk a government funding lapse. While progressives push for a short-term extension, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled he won’t allow a shutdown, drawing praise from Trump but outrage from his own party. The bill has already passed the Republican-led House, leaving Senate Democrats with a high-stakes decision.
Government Shutdown Showdown Quick Looks:
- Midnight Deadline: The Senate must pass a funding bill by midnight to avoid a partial government shutdown.
- Democratic Rift: Schumer breaks from progressive colleagues by advancing the bill, drawing criticism.
- Trump’s Influence: The bill gives Trump significant control over federal spending, worrying Democrats.
- House Passed It: The Republican-led House approved the bill, leaving the Senate as the last hurdle.
- D.C. Budget Cut: The bill forces Washington, D.C., to roll back its budget, sparking local backlash.
Democrats Divided as Senate Races to Avert Government Shutdown
Deep Look:
Democrats Face Tough Choice as Shutdown Deadline Looms
With the midnight deadline for a partial government shutdown approaching, the Senate faces a pivotal test vote on Friday afternoon. To pass the spending bill, at least eight Senate Democrats must join Republicans in reaching the 60-vote threshold.
However, progressive Democrats remain furious, arguing that the bill hands Trump a “blank check” to redirect funds and cut essential programs. The measure trimps non-defense spending by $13 billion, increases defense spending by $6 billion, and allows Trump’s administration to reallocate resources—a move critics say will be used for mass deportation initiatives instead of drug enforcement.
Schumer’s Gamble: Backing the Bill Over Shutdown Risks
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer initially allowed Democrats to air their frustrations, but on Thursday night, he shifted course, stating that he would not allow a government shutdown.
This move infuriated progressives but was praised by Trump himself, who posted on Truth Social:
“Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took ‘guts’ and courage!”
Schumer defended his position, warning that a shutdown would only expand Trump’s power, as his administration could decide which agencies and programs are “non-essential” and furlough workers indefinitely.
“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said, referring to the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, which has aggressively cut government agencies under Trump’s directive.
House Democrats Furious Over Senate Compromise
House Democrats, who largely opposed the spending bill, blasted their Senate counterparts for considering approval.
“House Democrats will not be complicit,” wrote House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar in a statement from their annual retreat.
Progressives, including Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), urged Senate colleagues to block the measure, warning against handing more power to Trump and Musk.
“Any of my colleagues in the Senate who are considering voting on cloture, the American people are shouting: Please do not hand the keys over to Elon Musk,” Stansbury said.
Key Concerns Over Trump’s Spending Control
- The bill removes hundreds of spending directives, allowing Trump’s administration to steer money as it sees fit.
- A Democratic memo claims Trump can redirect fentanyl enforcement funds toward mass deportation efforts.
- D.C. funding slashed: The bill forces Washington, D.C., to revert to last year’s budget, requiring $1.1 billion in spending cuts despite the city raising most of its own funds.
Mayor Muriel Bowser slammed the move, calling it “an attack on local governance”.
The Broader GOP Strategy: Spending Cuts and Tax Breaks
The spending bill is part of a larger Republican plan to reshape federal finances. Trump and GOP leaders are also pushing a second bill that would:
- Extend Trump-era tax cuts for individuals.
- Offset revenue losses by cutting funding in other areas.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called the plan a “one-two punch” against working Americans:
“You’re looking at a very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people.”
Republican Push for Final Vote
Meanwhile, Republicans argue that Democrats are stalling and would be responsible for a shutdown.
Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) insisted that Democrats must accept the House-approved bill or be blamed for the shutdown.
“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.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) mocked Democrats, saying their opposition was ironic:
“Democrats are fighting to withhold the paychecks of air traffic controllers, our troops, federal custodial staff,” Cotton said. “They can’t be serious.”
What’s Next?
With time running out, the Senate’s final vote will determine whether the government remains open or heads into a shutdown. The outcome will set the tone for future battles over Trump’s spending control and federal priorities.
As the midnight deadline nears, all eyes are on Schumer, Senate Democrats, and whether they will ultimately fall in line to prevent a shutdown.
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