Schumer to advance Republican funding bill to avoid shutdown

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced he will advance a Republican-led funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. This decision comes as the deadline approaches, despite strong opposition from many Democrats regarding the bill's provisions. The Republican bill has already passed the House and is set for a Senate vote. Democrats are divided on how to respond, with some pushing for a stopgap funding measure instead. Schumer emphasized that a shutdown would be more damaging than the GOP bill. As the Senate prepares for a vote, Democrats face pressure to support the funding package, which would keep the government running until the end of September. The situation highlights the challenges Democrats face in countering the Republican majority.