The Senate rejected a temporary funding measure Tuesday evening as the government approached its midnight shutdown deadline. Republicans needed Democratic votes to advance the legislation under chamber procedures but faced opposition over healthcare provisions. Democrats demanded permanent extension of expiring health subsidies and restoration of Medicaid funding while Republicans refused modifications.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the Republican proposal deeply partisan and accused the majority of choosing a shutdown over healthcare fixes. Republican leader John Thune countered that his party would not accept Democratic terms linking government operations to expanded benefits. President Donald Trump warned earlier that failure to pass spending legislation would trigger permanent program cuts and widespread federal layoffs across agencies.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the Republican proposal deeply partisan and accused the majority of choosing a shutdown over healthcare fixes. Republican leader John Thune countered that his party would not accept Democratic terms linking government operations to expanded benefits. President Donald Trump warned earlier that failure to pass spending legislation would trigger permanent program cuts and widespread federal layoffs across agencies.
