Congress must act to prevent government shutdown Friday

Congress is nearing a Friday deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown. Senate Republicans need Democratic support to advance their spending bill, which has faced opposition from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who claims it lacks bipartisan input. The House passed the Republican plan, which funds federal agencies through September and increases defense spending. Democrats argue it gives too much control to President Trump and plan to propose an alternative that would extend funding until April 11. Republicans require at least eight Democratic votes to move forward, as one Republican senator opposes the bill. This situation marks the first shutdown deadline since Trump began his second term, with limited options for Democrats in a Republican-controlled Congress.