Ten Senate Democrats helped Republicans move forward with the suspension spending bill created with the GOP, paving the way that would pass ahead ahead of the midnight deadline despite concerns from colleagues' scores.
Democrats voted to advance this measure include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), Senate Democrat Whip Dick Durbin (Illinois), Katherine Cortez Mast (NEV.), Maggie Hassan (NH), John Fetterman (Pa.), and Gary Peter (Mississle) Jeanne Shaheen (NH). Angus King (Mayne), a self-caucused caucus with the Democrats, also voted to proceed with the measure.
They joined all Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky), who voted against the measure.
Peters and Shaheen announced they would retire at the end of the current terms.
Schumer sparked rage among House Democrats, Senate Liberals and party bases by announcing that he would vote to keep the government open.
Schumer argued that it was not, and the two said they would have full control over which workers should be deemed essential and not essential if they were closed.
“As bad as CR, allowing Donald Trump to take more power through government shutdowns is a much worse option. The shutdown will allow Doge to move to overdrive,” Schumer said. “It gives Donald Trump and Doge the key to cities, states and countries.”
