GOP Senate Republicans clash over Rand Paul's amendment demand

U.S. Senate Republicans clashed during a lunch on Friday over Sen. Rand Paul's demand for a vote on an amendment to the House's continuing resolution (C.R.) for government funding. The House passed the C.R., but Senate Republicans lack the necessary votes to advance it. Democrats are unwilling to support the C.R. without amendments, leading to tensions within the GOP. Paul’s push for an amendment supporting cuts to foreign aid angered fellow Republicans, who fear it could complicate negotiations and require the House to reconvene. Without a new C.R., the government faces a shutdown after 11:59 p.m. on Friday. Paul has criticized the C.R. for maintaining high spending levels, which he argues could lead to a significant deficit.