Senate seeks to prevent partial government shutdown

The Senate is working to prevent a partial government shutdown as a deadline approaches. Democrats face a choice between supporting a spending bill they criticize or risking a funding lapse. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer indicated he would not allow a shutdown. The proposed bill would fund the government through September, cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. It gives the Trump administration more control over spending decisions, which Democrats oppose, calling it a "blank check." The House passed the bill earlier, leaving the Senate to decide quickly. Democrats are concerned about the impact on various programs and the District of Columbia's budget. They argue the bill undermines previous spending agreements and limits funding for critical initiatives.