Senate passes stopgap bill, avoiding government shutdown

The Senate approved a stopgap spending bill on Friday, preventing a government shutdown just before the deadline. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and several Democrats joined Republicans to overcome a filibuster, allowing the bill to move forward. The bill maintains spending levels from fiscal year 2024 until October 1. It passed with a vote of 62-38, with ten Democrats supporting it. This decision caused significant division within the Democratic Party, with some members expressing strong opposition. The House had previously passed the bill, which now awaits President Donald Trump's signature. A shutdown would have halted non-essential government services, but essential functions would have continued.