Government Shutdown Averted—But Not Before Dems Turned on Each Other [WATCH]

A partial government shutdown was narrowly avoided late Friday night after the Senate passed a stopgap spending bill, overcoming a legislative filibuster with support from a group of Democrats.

The measure passed 54-46, clearing the way for the government to remain funded through October 1.

The bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), had already been approved by House Republicans earlier in the week and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

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The legislation maintains current spending levels from fiscal year 2024 for the next six months.

Nearly all Senate Republicans supported the measure, with the exception of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who voted against it.

On the Democratic side, only Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., broke ranks to support the bill.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats, also voted in favor.

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The final passage of the bill followed an earlier procedural vote requiring a 60-vote threshold to advance past the legislative filibuster.

Ten Democrats joined Republicans to clear that hurdle, ultimately securing a 62-38 margin.

The Democrats who sided with Republicans in that vote included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.

The days leading up to the vote exposed divisions within the Democratic Party.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., declined to comment when asked if he had confidence in Schumer’s leadership.

Hakeem Jeffries is snapping at reporters, and AOC is calling out Schumer.

Nobody knows what’s going on in the Democrat Party, but it’s fun to watch. pic.twitter.com/ysgXqcgXUD

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 14, 2025

During one closed-door Senate meeting, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., was reportedly heard raising her voice, though her office declined to confirm her involvement.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., openly criticized his party’s opposition to the spending bill.

“It wasn’t that long ago before we were lecturing that you can never shut the government down. So, that’s kind of inconsistent,” he told reporters on Thursday.

Had lawmakers failed to pass the CR before the 11:59 p.m. deadline, the government would have entered a partial shutdown.

In such an event, non-essential federal operations would be halted, while essential services, including national security, border patrol, law enforcement, and disaster response, would remain active.

The last-minute passage of the spending measure provides temporary relief, but lawmakers will need to negotiate a long-term budget solution before October 1 to prevent another funding crisis.

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