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.