Senate Faces Gridlock as Government Shutdown Looms

With two days left to avert a shutdown, Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over a stopgap funding bill.

The House passed a Republican-backed six-month funding bill on Tuesday, but it lacks the votes needed to clear the Senate.
Senate Democrats are pushing for a short-term funding extension through April 11, which Republicans have rejected as partisan.
The proposed House bill includes increased military funding but reduces non-defense spending, drawing criticism from Democrats over cuts to veterans' benefits and healthcare programs.
Democrats oppose provisions in the Republican CR that would expand President Trump's discretion over federal spending, citing concerns about executive overreach.
If no agreement is reached by Friday night, a government shutdown could furlough thousands of federal workers and disrupt essential services.