Senate passes funding bill before government shutdown deadline

The Senate passed a six-month funding bill with a vote of 54-46, just hours before a potential government shutdown. The bill now awaits President Donald Trump's signature. Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it lacked their input and reduced funding for key areas. However, many chose to support it to avoid a shutdown, despite frustrations within their party. The legislation trims non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. It also allows the Trump administration more discretion over spending decisions, which Democrats criticized as a "blank check."