Senate Democrats Reject GOP Funding Bill Over Trump and Musk's DOGE Cuts, Risk Shutdown by Friday

Senate Democrats have announced their intention to reject a government funding bill passed by House Republicans, increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown by the end of Friday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Republican-led measure for being drafted without Democratic input, stating that it lacks the necessary 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster. The House-approved bill, which would fund the government through the end of September, has been opposed by Democrats due to its lack of bipartisan negotiation and its implications for federal operations. Democrats are advocating for a 30-day clean stopgap bill to allow more time for negotiations on a full-year funding agreement. The standoff between Senate Democrats and Republicans is centered around President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk's efforts to implement cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Democrats are concerned about the unilateral power these cuts give to Trump and Musk, fearing significant impacts on federal workers and government services. As the deadline approaches, the political dynamics highlight the leverage of the Republican majority in both the House and Senate, while Democrats struggle to influence the funding process. The potential shutdown looms as a significant issue, with both parties positioning themselves to avoid blame for any resulting disruption to government services. The House is currently in recess, and the Senate faces challenges in passing any bill before the deadline due to the filibuster rules and the requirement for 60 votes. Additionally, the House bill includes a provision that would revert the District of Columbia's budget back to 2024 levels, causing concern among city leaders.