Competing Proposals Washington, D.C. — The Senate on Friday rejected both a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill and a Democratic alternative, intensifying the risk of a government shutdown as the fiscal deadline approaches. Both measures required 60 votes to advance but failed to clear the threshold. The Democratic plan was voted down 47–45, while the House-passed
Competing Proposals
Washington, D.C. — The Senate on Friday rejected both a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill and a Democratic alternative, intensifying the risk of a government shutdown as the fiscal deadline approaches. Both measures required 60 votes to advance but failed to clear the threshold. The Democratic plan was voted down 47–45, while the House-passed Republican version fell 44–48.
The Republican proposal, passed earlier in the House, would have extended funding at current levels until mid-November while adding new money for security of government officials. Democrats offered a shorter extension through October 31, coupled with additional security funds and a continuation of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire this year. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) voted in favor of both bills. Republican Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) opposed both.
Growing Shutdown Risks
Without congressional action, government funding will lapse at the end of the month, triggering a shutdown. That would force hundreds of thousands of federal workers into furloughs or delayed pay, while key services such as Social Security and Medicare would continue but other functions would be disrupted. The Senate is scheduled to leave for a week-long recess Friday afternoon, returning with less than 48 hours to strike a deal. Senate Minority Whip John Thune said it was “unlikely” the chamber would reconvene early, heightening pressure on lawmakers to compromise quickly once they return. As the deadline looms, uncertainty continues for federal employees, contractors, and Americans who rely on government services, with no clear resolution yet in sight.
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