Listen To Story Above

Senate Democrats faced a crucial decision Wednesday regarding the stopgap funding bill passed by the Republican-led House, weighing their options between supporting legislation many oppose or risking a government shutdown.

The situation requires careful consideration from Democrats, as Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority but need Democratic support to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary for passing most legislation. According to a source familiar with Senate Republican discussions, a vote could occur as early as Wednesday, depending on Democratic strategy.

“There’s a lot of discussion,” noted Senator Angus King, an independent who aligns with Democrats.

The Maine legislator described the choice as either backing “a pretty bad” bill or casting a vote that would initiate a partial government shutdown starting Saturday, amid President Trump and adviser Elon Musk’s ongoing efforts to reduce federal government operations.

“If you’re dealing with people who would just as soon have a shutdown, there’s less chance of getting something,” King said. “They could say we’re going to let the government shutdown for months.”

The repeated close calls with shutdowns and debates over the nation’s $36 trillion debt have contributed to global ratings agencies downgrading the U.S. government’s formerly stellar credit rating.

While Democrats have historically criticized Republicans for threatening shutdowns, they now face similar accusations. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota took to X, stating: “While Senate Republicans are working hard to prevent a government shutdown, it will ultimately be up to Senate Democrats to decide whether or not they turn out the lights on the federal government.”

Senate Democrats gathered for an extended lunch meeting Tuesday, aware that Republicans would likely blame them for any shutdown resulting from blocking the House-passed bill. Without congressional action, funding expires at midnight Friday for numerous federal agencies overseeing veterans’ programs, law enforcement, medical research, education, and air traffic control.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’s office remained silent on their intended course of action.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed reservations about the funding bill, stating, “The last thing in the world I want to do is give Elon Musk more power than he already has. He’s an unelected autocrat.” However, he acknowledged other factors needed consideration before making his final decision.

House Republicans have dismissed a compromise proposal supported by some Democrats and leading Senate Republicans for a 30-day funding extension to complete more comprehensive appropriations bills.

Connecticut’s Democratic Senator Chris Murphy suggested the possibility of “some kind of open amendment process” to allow Senate Democrats to modify the bill.