WASHINGTON — The Senate failed to advance a funding bill that the House of Representatives approved, pushing the U.S. government closer to a shutdown ahead of the October 1 fiscal year deadline.
The Republican-led House crafted the bill to temporarily extend government funding and prevent a shutdown, aiming to buy lawmakers more time to negotiate a comprehensive budget agreement.
However, Senate Democrats, holding the majority, blocked the measure late Friday due to its conservative policy provisions.
Senate Democrats criticized the funding bill for including contentious add-ons unrelated to basic government operations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for cooperation and a funding solution reflecting shared priorities. He denounced the bill as divisive and impractical.
Republican leaders defended the initiative as a critical step to avert disruption of federal services. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused Democrats of resisting meaningful negotiations and putting political interests ahead of governing responsibilities.
A shutdown would force federal employees to furlough and halt a wide range of government operations—from national parks and public lands to essential agency functions—potentially disrupting the economy and society nationwide.
As the October 1 deadline approaches, lawmakers focus on Capitol Hill, where intense negotiations continue. They must reach a deal that gains approval in both chambers and avoids the far-reaching consequences of a government shutdown.
The next few days will determine whether they overcome their differences or leave the country facing federal service disruptions.