Senate Democrats appear poised to provide the necessary votes to advance Republicans’ government funding stopgap Friday, likely preventing a shutdown this weekend.
But some House lawmakers Thursday night were outraged that Senate Democrats would show any support for the bill. One prominent lawmaker called it “unthinkable.” House leaders put out a statement strongly urging its defeat.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Thursday afternoon that he would vote in favor of moving toward a final vote on the continuing resolution, or CR. At least seven other Democrats are expected to join him to reach the requisite 60 votes to move the measure forward.
While other Senate Democrats have not yet confirmed that will provide the support needed for passage, the capitulation from the Democratic leader after multiple days of resistance indicates the caucus could be prepared to allow House Republicans’ seven-month CR, endorsed by President Donald Trump, to pass within hours of Friday night’s funding deadline.
