US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Thursday that he would vote in favor of a temporary funding bill, ensuring his party provides the necessary support to avert a government shutdown.
“I will vote to keep the government open, not to shut it down,” Schumer declared in Congress, highlighting the Democrats’ long-standing opposition to government closures, which they argue create unnecessary chaos.
To block the bill, at least 41 Democratic votes would be required. The Senate must approve the measure before midnight on Friday to prevent a lapse in federal funding.
On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed the bill by a narrow 217-213 vote, aiming to avert a government shutdown at the start of the following week.
The proposed legislation would largely maintain current government funding levels until September 30.
