Senate advances funding bill, avoiding government shutdown

The U.S. Senate voted 62-38 to advance a government funding bill proposed by House Republicans, preventing a government shutdown. Nine Democrats joined all 53 Republicans in supporting the bill, which maintains funding levels similar to those under the previous administration. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer endorsed the GOP plan to avoid a shutdown, but former RNC chair Michael Steele criticized him for this decision. Steele argued that Schumer's support shows weakness and fails to hold Republicans accountable for job losses among federal employees. House Democrats largely opposed the bill, with only Rep. Jared Golden voting in favor after Republicans secured enough support. Schumer stated that passing the bill was necessary to prevent a shutdown, despite many Senate Democrats being willing to negotiate further.