US Senate avoids shutdown, advances Trump-backed funding bill

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Mar 2025 04:50
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Democratic opposition to a Trump-backed funding bill collapsed, setting the stage for substantial budget cuts.

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United States Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer gives a television interview at the Capitol in Washington, the US, on March 14, 2025. (AP)

The United States Senate took a significant step on Friday toward passing a government funding bill supported by President Donald Trump, reducing the likelihood of a weekend shutdown as Democratic opposition collapsed.

With Republicans in control of the Senate, the measure cleared a key procedural vote requiring bipartisan support to reach the 60-vote threshold, setting the stage for final approval ahead of the midnight deadline.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer surprised many within his own party by announcing late Thursday that he would back the Republican-authored six-month funding plan. His decision, which defused much of the tension surrounding the budget standoff, came after weeks of heated debate.

Although a shutdown was likely if an agreement was not reached by midnight, Democrats remained frustrated with the spending cuts included in the bill, which had already passed in the Republican-led House. The legislation, which would keep the government funded through September, still requires a final vote but now faces a lower 51-vote threshold for passage, ensuring its path to Trump’s desk.

Schumer defended his decision in an op-ed published in The New York Times, a move that sparked backlash from critics accusing him of yielding to Republican pressure. While Republicans hold the majority in Congress and the White House, Senate rules necessitate some Democratic support for most bills to advance.

In his op-ed, Schumer warned that allowing a shutdown would give the administration broader authority to declare agencies and employees "nonessential," leading to mass furloughs without guarantees of rehiring.

Democrats have been particularly outraged by budget cuts pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity led by Trump’s top donor and advisor, Elon Musk. The agency has slashed funding across multiple government sectors, bypassing congressional approval—actions that critics and some legal experts argue are unconstitutional.

'Chuck betrayed us'

Frustration within the Democratic ranks has been growing, with many calling for stronger resistance against Musk’s influence and Trump’s spending policies. However, Schumer argued that a shutdown would only accelerate efforts to dismantle government programs.

Government shutdowns are rare but highly disruptive, halting essential functions such as food safety inspections and national park operations. Nearly 900,000 American federal employees could be temporarily out of work, while essential workers—including law enforcement and air traffic controllers—would continue working without pay until a resolution is reached.

Trump commended Schumer for his decision, calling it a "bold move" in a Truth Social post, describing it as the beginning of "a whole new chapter" for the country.

Despite Schumer’s efforts to rally his party, some Senate Democrats remained critical of the bill. Patty Murray, a leading Democratic negotiator, referred to the legislation as a "disaster," while Senator Bernie Sanders denounced it for cutting key social programs, including food assistance. Public anger has also grown, with over a hundred activists gathering outside Schumer’s Brooklyn residence to protest, chanting, "Chuck betrayed us" and urging Democrats to stand firm against Trump’s policies.