WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced on Thursday that he will move forward with considering a Republican-led government funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. The bill has caused division among Democrats who are under pressure to impose limits on the Trump administration. Schumer made the decision during a closed-door lunch with Democrats and expressed his concerns publicly ahead of the Friday vote, scheduled just hours before the midnight deadline to keep the government running. Despite his criticism of the GOP bill, Schumer emphasized that a shutdown would be even worse, providing President Donald Trump and Elon Musk with an opportunity to advance their agenda unchecked.
Schumer’s decision aims to resolve the days-long standoff over the funding package, which has sparked protests from Senate Democrats. The package, which has already passed the House, does not include the limits sought by Democrats on Trump and Musk’s efforts to cut federal operations. The Democrats are particularly concerned about the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, which they believe is dismantling government agencies and eliminating federal jobs.
President Trump offered to negotiate a resolution, stating, “If they need me, I’m there 100%.” However, he also blamed Democrats for any potential disruptions, shifting responsibility away from Republicans. Democrats are advocating for a 30-day stopgap funding bill as an alternative, but the Republicans rejected this proposal. Despite internal divisions among Democrats over strategy, there is a shared concern about the chaos that Trump and Musk could unleash if the government were to shut down.
As the Senate deliberated on Thursday, Republican Majority Leader John Thune urged Democrats to make a decision before the deadline. The political landscape reflects the Republicans’ leverage with control of the White House and Congress, while Democrats are struggling to counter the Trump administration’s actions.
House Republicans united to pass their bill, leaving Democrats on the sidelines. The pressure is now on Schumer to secure final passage in the Senate before the deadline, with no guarantee of success given the 60-vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster.
“I’m in the camp of like, don’t ever, ever shut the government down,” said Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.
With just 24 hours remaining, Democrats are facing a critical decision: either provide the necessary votes to move forward with the funding package that sustains government operations until the end of September, or risk a shutdown when funding runs out at midnight on Friday. Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn expressed confidence that the Democrats will give in, citing their previous criticisms of Elon Musk and the Trump administration for cutting federal jobs while now potentially putting these workers at risk by allowing a government shutdown. However, progressive Democrats, supported by allies in the House, are urging their party to take a stand against Trump, even if it leads to a federal shutdown. Rep. Greg Casar from Texas, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called on Senate Democrats to halt the House GOP’s bill, which he believes will benefit Musk at the expense of working people. Additionally, the House’s proposal includes a provision that would force the District of Columbia to revert back to 2024 budget levels, causing concern among city officials about potential cuts to essential services. Senate Majority Leader Schumer has pledged to address these issues in collaboration with D.C. leaders. Democratic senators are deliberating on their next moves as they gear up for voting, with Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado expressing a sense of hopelessness regarding the available choices.
