Senate passes spending bill, averting government shutdown

The U.S. Senate passed a Republican-led spending bill on March 14, 2025, just before a government shutdown deadline. The vote was 54-46, with some Democratic support despite opposition to the bill's provisions and lack of input. The bill funds the government for six months, trimming non-defense spending by $13 billion and increasing defense spending by $6 billion. It gives the Trump administration more discretion over spending decisions, which Democrats criticized as a "blank check." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer shifted strategy to avoid a shutdown, despite internal party dissent. The Senate also approved a separate bill to maintain the District of Columbia's budget at 2025 levels, preventing a significant cut.