President Trump signed a Republican-backed spending bill on Saturday to prevent a government shutdown, according to the White House. The bill, which will fund the government until September 30, marks the first funding battle of Trump’s second term and has caused internal divisions among Democrats in Congress.
The legislation, previously supported by Trump, increases defense funding by $6 billion while cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion.
The bill passed the Senate with a 54-46 vote, with two Democrats joining 52 Republicans in approval. However, the key vote came earlier when the Senate advanced the legislation with a 62-38 vote, securing the necessary 60 votes. Ten Democrats joined Republicans, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opposing the measure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) supported the bill, which angered many House Democrats. Trump praised Schumer for doing “the right thing” and expressed his appreciation.
The Democratic divisions have disrupted their intended message of unity following the House’s annual strategy retreat and raised doubts about Schumer’s ability to maintain party cohesion in future legislative battles. The support for the bill provided cover for moderate Senate Democrats, while a dozen House Democrats in competitive districts voted against it.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who opposed the bill, did not express confidence in Schumer’s leadership for the upcoming fights against Trump’s legislative agenda.
