Senate Democrats oppose GOP spending plan, shutdown deadline approaches

Senate Democrats are opposing a Republican spending bill that has already passed the House, as a government shutdown deadline approaches. They are advocating for a 30-day stopgap funding measure, but its chances in the Republican-controlled Congress are slim. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the urgency of the situation, while Democrats worry about being blamed for a shutdown. They face pressure to either support the House bill or risk a government closure when funding expires at midnight Friday. Progressive Democrats are urging their party to resist the Republican plan, which they believe would harm federal workers. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that a shutdown would negatively impact the economy.