Senate passes funding bill before shutdown deadline

The Senate passed a six-month spending bill just hours before a government shutdown, with a vote of 54-46. This bill, which now goes 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. They feared it would allow the administration to redirect funds away from key programs, labeling it a "blank check" for Trump. 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.