Senate Democrats will block Republican funding bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Senate Democrats will block a Republican funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. This decision makes a partial shutdown likely starting at midnight on Friday. Schumer criticized the Republican approach, stating it lacked bipartisan input. He emphasized that Democrats are unified in supporting a different funding proposal that would extend government operations until April 11. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the Senate, they need support from at least seven Democrats to pass their bill. The House has recessed until March 24, leaving limited time for negotiations.