Senate Democrats oppose spending bill as possible government shutdown nears. What to know
WASHINGTON - Several Senate Democrats have said they will not vote in favor of the spending bill passed by the House, raising the chances of a possible government shutdown set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday.
The spending bill would temporarily fund the government until Sept. 30. But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Wednesday that there are not enough Democrats willing to support the current measure.
At least eight Senate Democrats would need to join Republicans to clear a 60-vote threshold and advance the spending bill to the floor for a final vote. Though Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the upper chamber, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said he was a firm no on the bill.
Instead, Schumer said that Senate Democrats are "unified" on a funding extension through April 11 that would allow Congress time to negotiate bipartisan legislation.
Here’s the latest updates on the spending bill saga.
Senate Democrats look for a short-term funding extension
Senate Democrats are stuck between supporting the bill and handing a win to President Donald Trump, or voting against the bill and potentially being blamed for the shutdown.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who announced he will back the current measure, argued that a shutdown would be worse than voting for a bill he doesn’t agree with.
“The weeks of performative “resistance” from those in my party were limited to undignified antics,” Fetterman wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Voting to shut the government down will punish millions or risk a recession.I disagree with many points in the CR, but I will never vote to shut our government down.”
But he stands apart from some of his other colleagues, who are either undecided or opposed to the measure and calling for a short-term funding extension.
“The longer I look at it, this is a fundamental test of our democracy,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., in a town hall meeting with his constituents on Wednesday.
“So when this bill reaches the Senate floor, I will vote no. We need a funding bill that preserves Congress’ authority and by extension, your voice,” he said.
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., wrote on X that the Senate “has the opportunity to negotiate a short-term funding deal – one that would enjoy broad bipartisan support and actually tackle the pressing challenges of rising costs and growing uncertainty.”
Both parties pressure each other
House Democrats said they would stay in D.C. in case there is another vote on the spending bill - despite the House being out of session.
“I’m here - as are all House Democrats - ready to pass a 1 month funding extension that’s **actually** clean and doesn’t cut veterans health care, drive up housing costs, or fire Social Security workers,” Rep. Sara Jacobs, wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
House Democrats are huddling at their 2025 Issues Conference retreat in Leesburg, Virginia.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said that it will be up to Senate Democrats to keep the government open.
“If Senate Democrats block an up-or-down vote on this, then it’s crystal clear: THEY want to shut down the government. Period. Full stop,” Johnson wrote on X.
Contributing: Riley Beggin, Paste BN