Senate debates funding to avoid government shutdown

The Senate is currently debating a temporary funding measure to avoid a government shutdown, with a deadline approaching. The House passed a resolution, but Senate Democrats plan to block it, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown this weekend. If a shutdown occurs, the executive branch would gain broader powers to decide which government services are essential. This could benefit the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by a Trump ally, allowing it to operate while other agencies face furloughs. Recent court rulings have challenged the Trump administration's layoffs of federal employees, with judges ordering some workers to be reinstated. The legal battles highlight concerns over the administration's authority to terminate employees without proper procedures.