Democrats Signal Support for GOP Budget to Avoid Government Shutdown

Facing internal divisions, Democratic senators, led by Chuck Schumer, move towards approving a Republican spending bill to prevent a shutdown.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer announced his support for the Republican interim budget proposal to avert a government shutdown set to begin Saturday morning.
The decision marks a reversal for Schumer, who previously indicated opposition but cited severe economic consequences of a shutdown as a decisive factor.
At least eight Democratic senators must join all 53 Republicans in the Senate to meet the 60-vote threshold required to pass the spending bill.
Some Democrats, including Senator Mark Warner, remain opposed, arguing that the budget would enable controversial policies like mass deportations and public sector layoffs tied to Trump and Elon Musk's initiatives.
A shutdown would disrupt federal services, force hundreds of thousands of government employees into unpaid leave, and impact sectors like air travel and public landmarks.