US Senate Democrats not to vote for House-passed government funding package

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that Democrats will not vote for a House-passed government funding package, leaving it uncertain whether a shutdown can be averted before a Friday night deadline.

"Republicans chose a partisan path, drafting their continuing resolution (CR) without any input -- any input -- from congressional Democrats. Because of that, Republicans do not have the votes in the Senate to invoke cloture on the House CR," Schumer told the Senate floor.

His remarks came a day after the House of Representatives voted 217-213 to pass Republicans' six-month spending legislation backed by President Donald Trump to extend government funding through Sept. 30.

The bill aims to increase defense spending by $6 billion and decrease domestic spending by $13 billion. It also includes additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding for deportations.

"Our caucus is unified on a clean April 11 CR that will keep the government open and give Congress time to negotiate bipartisan legislation that can pass," said Schumer.

Their bill, which includes only a handful of necessary adjustments to prevent funding issues in the interim and to extend essential health authorizations, would keep the government funded through April 11.

"I hope our Republican colleagues will join us to avoid a shutdown on Friday," Schumer added.

With Republicans holding a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, at least seven Democrats are needed to join Republicans in supporting the measure to clear the 60-vote threshold and send the bill to Trump’s desk before current funding expires at 11.59 p.m. local time on Friday.