Senate approves six-month funding bill before shutdown

The Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday, just before a government shutdown deadline. The vote was 54-46, with some Democrats supporting the bill to avoid a shutdown despite concerns over its funding levels and lack of input. The legislation funds the government through September, cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. This is the third short-term funding extension for the current fiscal year, as Congress has not passed annual appropriations bills. The bill also includes a provision affecting the District of Columbia's budget, which would revert to previous levels. Senators plan to vote on a separate bill to reverse this provision and maintain spending at 2025 levels.