Spending bill passes Senate, averting government shutdown

A spending bill to prevent a partial government shutdown has passed a key Senate vote, with ten Democrats joining Republicans to meet the 60-vote requirement. The vote was 62-38, allowing the bill to move forward before a midnight deadline. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer shifted his stance, opting to support the bill despite internal party dissent. Many Democrats are concerned about the bill's provisions, which they believe grant President Trump excessive control over spending decisions. The legislation would fund the government through September, cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. This is the third short-term funding extension for the current fiscal year, as Congress has struggled to pass annual appropriations bills.