Senate Democrats turned down a straightforward extension for government funding late Tuesday, though a few joined Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer in an effort to prevent a looming government shutdown.
Notably, three Democrats—John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada, and Angus King of Maine—backed Republicans on the funding measure. However, the bipartisan bill didn’t meet the necessary 60 votes in the Senate, with a final tally of 54 for and 44 against.
This vote brought to light the divisions among Senate Democrats regarding the possibility of a government shutdown. The trio’s vote aimed to assist Schumer in preventing a lapse in funding come March.
“We cannot allow a government shutdown that adversely impacts Nevada families while empowering this reckless administration,” Cortez Masto stated after the vote.
On the Republican side, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul also voted for the proposal alongside Democrats, criticizing the lack of spending cuts in funding measures.
President Trump mentioned on Tuesday that a shutdown seemed likely due to a Democrat’s rejection of a temporary seven-week funding plan until November 21.
This was the second attempt in which Schumer hurriedly led Democrats to support Republican efforts to fund the government ahead of the October 1 deadline.
“We’ve only just been away from potential shutdowns for a few hours. Democrats have a clear choice,” Senate majority leader John Tune remarked during a GOP Leadership press conference. “They can opt to keep the government open by backing a clean, short-term, nonpartisan solution.”
If the Senate fails to approve funding measures by the deadline, government funds will run out at 12:01 am Wednesday. Prominent Democrats have indicated a willingness to confront a government shutdown if GOP lawmakers and Trump do not meet their demands.
Schumer’s aggressive strategy in this ongoing funding dispute sharply contrasts his earlier decision in March to collaborate with Republicans. This shift has ignited frustration among his colleagues, unveiled rifts within the party, and raised concerns about challenges in the upcoming 2028 elections.
Warnings from the White House suggest that a funding lapse could have serious repercussions across federal agencies. One significant concern is the key nutrition support program for low-income women and children, which is slated to expire on October 1. Congress has presented a Zero Budget Bill to Trump, indicating that all agencies would face closures.
The Democrats’ recent proposal to negate cuts in foreign aid and public broadcasting, as well as to reverse GOP reforms on Medicaid, failed to secure the necessary votes in the Senate on September 19.
Senate Republicans criticized Democrats on Tuesday for what they termed hypocrisy, pointing out that they rejected short-term funding bills despite similar measures approved during former President Biden’s tenure.
Republicans also underscored Democrats’ previous opposition to shutting down the government over unrelated issues. Senate Whip John Baraso stated, “Minority leaders refuse to acknowledge that it’s Democrats steering the country toward a shutdown. Remember what Senator Schumer said back in 2013: ‘I’ll shut down the government unless I get my way.’ That’s just politics at its worst.”
Despite this, Schumer and many of his caucus members continue to insist on policy concessions from Republicans as a condition for avoiding a government shutdown.
Curiously, Democrats have largely refrained from outlining how they would handle shutdowns if Republicans remain adamant in their positions. “We believe they won’t negotiate with us, and that’s become evident,” Schumer remarked during a recent news conference. “The public doesn’t support that approach.” He added, “In this struggle, I think we’re well-positioned.”
