Senate passes funding bill, avoids government shutdown

The Senate passed a six-month spending bill just hours before a government shutdown, with a vote of 54-46. This bill, which will now go to President Trump for approval, faced strong opposition from Democrats who felt excluded from the process. Democrats expressed frustration over the bill's funding levels and the discretion it gives the Trump administration. Despite their objections, many chose to support the bill to avoid a government shutdown, which they believed would be more damaging. The legislation trims non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. It is the third short-term funding extension for the current fiscal year, which is nearly half over.