U.S. Senate Democrats Reluctantly Back GOP Budget to Avert Federal Shutdown

The temporary funding measure includes deep spending cuts and increased defense spending, drawing sharp criticism from progressive Democrats.

A temporary budget extension to fund the U.S. federal government through September has passed a key Senate vote, avoiding an imminent shutdown.
The measure, championed by President Trump and supported by Elon Musk, includes $13 billion in non-defense spending cuts and a $6 billion boost to defense funding.
Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer reversed his initial opposition, citing the severe economic and social consequences of a shutdown, including furloughs for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
The decision has divided the Democratic Party, with progressives criticizing the move as a concession to Trump and Musk's agenda of reducing federal oversight and services.
Republicans argue the temporary budget allows time to draft a more comprehensive fiscal plan, including funding for Trump's key initiatives like expanded immigration enforcement.