The legislation would apparently shield the D.C. government from a billion-dollar cut, but it would still need to be approved by the House.

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took to the Senate floor Friday morning to defend his decision to support a Republican short-term funding bill that will effectively help avoid a government shutdown.

Friday to pass a Republican-sponsored stopgap funding bill that averted a federal government shutdown. The vote was the second of two key votes that passed the bill: The advance vote: The Senate voted 62-38 to end debate on the bill – a cloture vote – and advance it to a final vote.

The Senate is up against a government funding deadline Friday and needs 60 votes to keep the lights on and prevent a shutdown starting at midnight Saturday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.

The Senate approaches a key test vote Friday afternoon as lawmakers work to avoid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats confronting two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.