The Senate passed legislation to avert a government shutdown, with the final vote tally at 54 to 46. The bill, primarily supported by Senate Republicans, includes significant cuts to non-defense spending while increasing the Pentagon's budget. Only one Democrat, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, joined the majority of Republicans in voting for the legislation, alongside independent Sen. Angus King of Maine. Notably, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against the measure.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his support for advancing the bill, which allowed nine Democrats, including King, to break a potential filibuster. In exchange for their votes, Senate Majority Leader John Thune permitted votes on three Democratic amendments, all of which ultimately failed.
The new funding bill includes a $6 billion increase in defense spending and a $500 million boost for nutrition assistance programs, such as WIC. However, it also enacts a $13 billion reduction in overall non-defense spending, which has drawn criticism from various Democratic lawmakers. Some party members expressed dissatisfaction with Schumer's decision to support the bill, believing it could enable policies they oppose, such as funding for the controversial DOGE office.
With the government funded through September 30, Republicans are now positioned to focus on upcoming negotiations related to border security and tax legislation. House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated a desire to expedite the passage of further significant measures, including potential tax cuts. Meanwhile, Congress will also need to address the debt limit in the coming months, adding another layer of complexity to future fiscal discussions.