WASHINGTON — As the clock ticks toward a government shutdown, Senate Democrats are making a final stand against a Republican-backed funding bill. This bill has cleared the House but fails to address measures against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s plans to radically cut federal operations.
Amidst rising tension, Democrats are called upon to thwart the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, a move criticized for dismantling well-established government agencies by axing thousands of federal jobs.
In a bid to avert widespread disruption, Democrats are advocating for a temporary 30-day funding extension. Nonetheless, with Congress under Republican control, the success of this proposal seems unlikely. Democrats are also wary of allowing a shutdown, concerned about the additional disruption Trump and Musk may cause.
Senate proceedings began on Thursday with Republican Majority Leader John Thune remarking on the urgency of action with the looming midnight deadline on Friday.
Typically contentious, the federal funding debate is underscored this year by the enhanced influence of Republicans who dominate both the executive and legislative branches. Conversely, Democrats are grappling with their limited ability to curtail the Trump administration’s sweeping changes.
Uniquely, House Republicans unified to pass their version of the bill, lauded by many conservatives for the cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency. Having passed the responsibility onto the Senate, the House members adjourned.
Faced with limited options, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is hesitant to fully block funding, avoiding blame for potential government paralysis. Schumer emphasized Democratic support for a 30-day stopgap measure, diverging from the House’s proposal that extends funding until the budget year concludes in September.
Unwavering in their resistance, Republicans maintain their stance despite lacking the 60 Senate votes necessary to surpass a Democratic filibuster.
The Senate may vote on the Democrats’ proposal, but expectations of its failure prompt concerns about shifting towards the more comprehensive bill at the eleventh hour.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attempted to redirect focus from Trump’s trade disputes to the impending shutdown. “A shutdown is damaging to our economy,” he stated, critiquing Democrats’ strategy and attributing potential blame to them.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, has accused Trump and Musk of being out of touch with American family needs.
In an unusual move, the House bill demands that Washington D.C., despite its self-approved balanced budget, revert to 2024 funding levels, sparking backlash from local officials who predict drastic cuts to city services.
As Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado noted, the choices presented are disheartening, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the current solutions on offer.
