Senate races to prevent government shutdown

The Senate is working to prevent a partial government shutdown with limited time left. Democrats face a tough choice: support a spending bill that gives President Trump significant control or risk a shutdown. Senate leader Chuck Schumer has urged cooperation to avoid this outcome. The proposed bill would fund the government until September, cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. A procedural vote is set for Friday, requiring at least eight Democrats to join Republicans for the bill to advance. In other news, two federal judges ordered Trump to rehire thousands of probationary workers fired in mass layoffs. The Trump administration plans to appeal these rulings, which it views as an infringement on presidential hiring powers.