Overview

• 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.