Senate passes funding bill, avoiding government shutdown

The U.S. Senate passed a Republican-led spending bill with a 54-46 vote, avoiding a government shutdown. Despite strong opposition from Democrats, many chose to support the bill to prevent a lapse in funding, which will last six months. Democrats expressed frustration over the lack of input in the bill, which they believe gives President Trump excessive control over spending. The legislation trims non-defense spending and increases defense spending, but many Democrats view it as a "blank check" for the administration. The bill is the third short-term funding extension for the fiscal year, as Congress has struggled to pass annual appropriations. A separate bill to adjust budget levels for the District of Columbia was also approved unanimously.