Senate Democrats Grapple with Shutdown as Schumer and Thune Clash Over Funding Deadline

Senate Democrats are facing a critical decision as the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches on Friday at midnight. They are grappling with whether to support a Republican-drafted continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through September 30, or to push for their own proposal extending funding until April 11. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated that Republicans lack the necessary 60 votes to pass their CR in the Senate, suggesting a unified Democratic stance against the Republican bill. Schumer has advocated for a bipartisan approach to government funding, criticizing the GOP for drafting their CR without Democratic input. The situation has escalated into a political showdown, with Democrats considering allowing a vote on their 28-day CR proposal as a means to save face and demonstrate opposition to the Republican bill. However, even if voted on, the Democratic CR is unlikely to pass due to insufficient support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has filed for cloture on the House-passed CR, setting up a vote for Friday. As the clock ticks towards the shutdown deadline, tensions are rising, and Democrats are weighing the potential consequences of a shutdown against the political implications of supporting the Republican CR. Progressive groups have praised Schumer and Senate Democrats for their stance, while Senators Raphael Warnock, Mark Warner, and John Hickenlooper have voiced their positions on the matter.