A funding plan supported by President Trump to keep the government open failed in the Senate despite clearing the House. With the September 30 deadline approaching, the measure was struck down in a 44-48 vote, heightening fears of a shutdown.
The proposal, a short-term continuing resolution, sought to extend government funding until November 21. It also included money to bolster security for Congress, executive agencies, and the federal judiciary. While the bill was expected to buy lawmakers more time to negotiate a longer agreement, Senate Democrats rejected it, pointing to the absence of Medicaid funding, Obamacare pandemic-era subsidies, and federal support for public media.
Republicans argued the measure was meant only to prevent disruption, not to settle broader policy disputes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune pressed Democrats to accept the resolution to keep the government running, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the process, saying his caucus had been shut out of negotiations.
With the deadline just days away, both parties are facing mounting pressure to reach a compromise. If no agreement is struck, significant portions of the federal government could shut down.