A potential government shutdown was narrowly avoided late Friday night as the Senate passed a funding bill just hours before the 11:59 p.m. deadline.
The measure successfully overcame a filibuster after enough Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, joined Republicans in supporting the bill.
The final vote was 54-46, with nearly all Republicans voting in favor, except for Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who opposed it.
Senate passes six-month funding bill, sending measure to Trump’s desk
Most Democrats voted against the bill, with the exceptions of Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats and voted to pass the measure.
With the bill’s approval, it now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature, ensuring the government remains operational.
A Close Call on the Senate Floor
Earlier in the day, the Senate faced a critical procedural vote that required a 60-vote threshold to move forward, a process known as the legislative filibuster.
The outcome remained uncertain until a small group of Senate Democrats broke ranks with their party and provided the necessary votes to advance the bill.