The U.S. Senate approved a $1.2 trillion government spending package late Thursday, moving most federal funding forward — but a partial government shutdown now appears increasingly likely as remaining disagreements persist.
Lawmakers from both parties backed the sweeping bill after weeks of intense negotiation over budget levels, policy riders and funding priorities. The measure was designed to keep the federal government funded into the next fiscal year, covering a wide range of departments and programs.
Despite Senate passage, a shutdown threat remains because key elements — particularly spending for the Department of Homeland Security and other contested areas — have not been fully resolved. Political divisions over those components have stalled approval in the House, which must act before funding expires.
Republican and Democratic leaders acknowledged progress on much of the budget but conceded that differences over spending allocations and policy provisions could delay final passage. As a result, parts of the government could cease operations if lawmakers cannot bridge those gaps before the deadline.
The bill approved by the Senate includes funding for major federal agencies, defense, health programs and domestic priorities, reflecting compromise language aimed at satisfying both conservative and moderate members. However, opposition from some factions in both parties means the package still lacks full consensus.
With a shutdown deadline approaching, congressional leaders are scrambling to negotiate outstanding issues, particularly regarding border and homeland security funding, education allocations, and environmental programs. House leadership has signaled that additional votes or changes may be necessary before sending the bill to the president’s desk.
The Senate vote was a critical procedural step, but it does not eliminate the risk of a government funding lapse. Agencies that rely on annual appropriations could face furloughs or reduced operations if funding is not secured in time, potentially affecting millions of federal workers and services nationwide.
As the situation unfolds, lawmakers are under intense pressure to strike a final agreement, with a shutdown — even a partial one — looming as a real possibility in the days ahead.