Schumer rejects Republican funding bill, risking government shutdown

Senator Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats will not support the Republican funding bill, increasing the risk of a government shutdown. He called for a shorter funding extension to allow more time for bipartisan negotiations. The House passed a bill to fund the government through September, but Democrats oppose it due to significant cuts to non-defense spending. They argue these cuts will harm vulnerable Americans. Senate Republicans lack the votes needed to advance the bill without Democratic support. Schumer and House Democratic leaders are urging a clean funding extension to keep the government open.