Senate passes spending bill to avoid a government shutdown: NPR
Washington, DC – February 25 – The US Capitol dome stood tall as a US flag waved nearby, symbolizing a nation on the brink of a government shutdown. Just hours before the funding deadline, Congress narrowly avoided a crisis by passing a stopgap spending bill. The Senate approved the House-backed legislation, which now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his expected signature.
This last-minute resolution, however, exposed deep divisions within the Democratic Party, raising questions about its strategy and leadership moving forward.
What Happened?
- Deadline Averted: Congress passed a temporary spending bill to fund the government into the fall, preventing a shutdown that would have had widespread consequences.
- Democratic Divisions: Senate Democrats faced intense pressure to oppose the Trump-backed bill, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine others voted to advance it, sparking backlash within the party.
- Final Vote: The Senate approved the bill 54-46, with only two Democrats and one Republican breaking ranks.
Why Did Democrats Split?
Senate Democrats were caught between two difficult choices:
- Oppose the Bill: Risk a government shutdown that could last months, giving President Trump more leverage.
- Support the Bill: Accept a GOP-backed measure that cuts funding to critical programs like veterans’ health care and local firefighter and police budgets.
Schumer defended his decision, calling it a “Hobson’s choice” and arguing that avoiding a shutdown was the lesser of two evils. “I believe it is the best way to minimize the harm that the Trump administration will do to the American people,” he said.
Key Players and Reactions
- Chuck Schumer: The Senate Minority Leader faced fierce criticism from within his party but stood by his decision, stating, “A government shutdown would be far worse.”
- President Trump: Praised Schumer for supporting the bill, calling it “the right thing.”
- Democratic Backlash: Many Democrats, including House members, viewed Schumer’s move as a capitulation, weakening their leverage against Trump.
What’s in the Spending Bill?
The stopgap measure funds the government through September 30 but includes contentious provisions:
- Cuts to DC Funding: Democrats warned the bill would slash $1.1 billion from Washington, DC’s budget, impacting local services.
- Veterans’ Health Care: Concerns were raised about potential reductions in funding for veterans’ programs.
To address these issues, the Senate approved a separate measure to protect DC’s funding, though its fate in the House remains uncertain.
What’s Next for Democrats?
The government funding bill has left Senate Democrats grappling with internal divisions and questions about their strategy. Key takeaways include:
- Leadership Challenges: While no senators have publicly called for Schumer’s removal, some have expressed concerns about the party’s direction.
- Path Forward: Democrats must unite to counter Trump’s agenda and present a cohesive pro-growth platform.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) summed up the dilemma: “It was two awful choices.”
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