Senate Democrats refuse to go along with GOP spending plan, as shutdown deadline nears

Summary

Senate Democrats are resisting a Republican-backed funding bill that excludes limits on Trump and Elon Musk’s federal workforce cuts, fearing further agency dismantling.

With a government shutdown looming, Democrats propose a 30-day stopgap measure, though it’s unlikely to pass in the GOP-controlled Congress.

Republicans, holding a 53-47 Senate majority but lacking the support needed to reach the 60-vote threshold, predict Democrats will cave to avoid blame for a shutdown. Progressives urge defiance, while Treasury Secretary Scott Brown warns Democrats will “own” the shutdown.

A Friday vote will determine the outcome.