The Senate passed a bill to keep the federal government funded through September Friday evening, avoiding a partial shutdown that would have begun at midnight.
Ten Democrats joined with all but one of their GOP colleagues on a key procedural vote to the advance the bill Friday afternoon. But far fewer Democrats joined Republicans to vote for the bill itself, which shifts some money towards President Donald Trump’s priorities and increases his power over spending. Trump is expected to sign the measure Friday evening.
The vote comes amid a brewing trade war between Trump and international allies, the administration’s mass layoffs of federal workers and where any additional signs of U.S. political dysfunction would only add to economic uncertainty.
Senate passes GOP funding extension
The funding extension that will keep the government open through the end of September passed the Senate 54-46.
The only Republican to vote against final passage was Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. The only Democrat to vote for final passage was New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, along with independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats.
The Senate defeated four amendments that would have changed the bill, including one to eliminate the Department of Government Efficiency that has spearheaded massive changes to the federal government.
Earlier this afternoon, 10 Democrats joined with Republicans to advance the bill in a key vote to overcome the filibuster.