Senate passes funding bill, avoids government shutdown

The Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday, just hours before a potential government shutdown. The vote was 54-46, with some Democrats reluctantly supporting the bill to avoid a shutdown, despite concerns over its funding priorities. The legislation will fund the government through September, cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. This is the third short-term funding extension for the current fiscal year, as Congress has struggled to pass annual appropriations. The bill gives the Trump administration more discretion over spending decisions, which Democrats criticize as a "blank check." Additionally, a provision affecting the District of Columbia's budget will be reversed, allowing spending at 2025 levels.