A government shutdown would also add to an already chaotic federal government, as Trump and advisor Elon Musk have laid off more than 100,000 federal workers and consolidated fede

The Democratic Party appears fractured as a torrent of frustration and anger has been unleashed on Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer

Friday to pass a Republican-sponsored stopgap funding bill that averted a federal government shutdown. The vote was the second of two key votes that passed the bill: The advance vote: The Senate voted 62-38 to end debate on the bill – a cloture vote – and advance it to a final vote.

The Senate approaches a key test vote Friday afternoon as lawmakers work to avoid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats confronting two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.