Senate passes funding bill before government shutdown deadline

The Senate passed a six-month spending bill with a vote of 54-46, just hours before a potential government shutdown. This bill, which will now go to President Trump for approval, faced strong opposition from Democrats. Democrats expressed frustration over the lack of input in the bill, which they believe limits funding for key areas like health care. However, many chose to support the bill to avoid a shutdown, despite concerns it gives Trump significant control over spending. 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.