Senate has just hours to avoid a partial government shutdown

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate is finding itself in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare Friday.

Democrats have only painful options: allow passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions, or vote no and give Trump free rein.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration before making clear he will not allow a government shutdown.

After Schumer announced he’d vote for the package, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated that House Democrats “remain strongly opposed” and would not be “complicit” in the GOP spending plan.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York expressed frustration that some members “who have won Trump-held districts in some of the most difficult territories in the United States, who walked the plank and took innumerable risks in order to defend the American people” now have to watch Senate Democrats consider acquiescing.

“There’s still time,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico at the Democratic Women’s Caucus in Virginia. “The American people are shouting: please do not hand the keys over to Elon Musk.”

Meanwhile, Schumer is winning praise from the president: “Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took “guts” and courage!” Trump posted on his social media account.