**Democrats Face Tough Choice as Government Shutdown Looms**
As the deadline for a government shutdown approaches, Senate Democrats remain divided over a stopgap funding bill, with their efforts to block it appearing to lose momentum. The Senate is set to vote Friday on the measure, even as a group of Democratic senators who had threatened to derail it seem to be wavering.
Many Democrats have refused to provide the Republican majority with the votes needed to overcome a procedural hurdle, insisting on a shorter-term funding bill lasting through April instead of September. However, GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune needs at least eight Democratic votes to end debate and advance the bill, putting pressure on the party to decide between compromise or forcing a shutdown.
Thune signaled openness to allowing a vote on the Democratic amendment in exchange for their support on cloture, a procedural step needed to move the bill forward. By Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had previously urged Republicans to support the Democratic proposal, shifted his stance.
“I believe it is my job to make the best choice for the country, to minimize the harms to the American people. Therefore, I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down,” Schumer announced on the Senate floor.
Schumer justified his decision by arguing that, while passing the bill is not ideal, allowing President Donald Trump to gain additional leverage through a shutdown would be worse.
### Two Paths for Senate Democrats
With time running out, Democrats are left with two main options:
1. **Compromise for an Amendment Vote**
One path forward is for some Senate Democrats to vote with Republicans on cloture in exchange for a vote on their amendment for a shorter-term funding bill. However, the amendment is unlikely to pass, making the concession largely symbolic. Once debate ends, Republicans would be able to pass the bill with a simple majority.
Thune indicated that GOP leaders are open to discussions on amendments but noted that Democrats have not yet made a formal offer. “They’re still trying to figure out how they want to see this wrap up,” he said Thursday.
2. **Hold the Line and Force a Shutdown**
The alternative is for Democrats to block the bill entirely, triggering a government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. While some Democrats argue the bill gives Trump too much control over spending, others fear the consequences of a shutdown in the current political climate.
More than 20 Senate Democrats have publicly opposed the bill, including Sens. Mark Warner (VA), Mark Kelly (AZ), and Ruben Gallego (AZ). Warner reaffirmed his stance on social media, stating, “NO on cloture. NO on the CR. We’re fighting this bad bill that cuts Americans a terrible deal with everything we’ve got.”
However, Schumer’s decision to back the bill could influence other Democrats. So far, only Sen. John Fetterman (PA) has broken ranks, pledging to vote with Republicans to break the filibuster. But House Democrats, who narrowly opposed the bill in their chamber, are urging their Senate colleagues to reject it as well.
“We’re standing on the side of working families,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “And that’s why our message to the Senate is: Also stand with us on that side.”
If Senate Democrats ultimately vote against the bill, a federal shutdown will take effect Saturday. While the immediate impact will be limited over the weekend, government operations will begin to grind to a halt by Monday, with significant disruptions expected as federal workers face furloughs.