On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Senate failed to pass two critical stop-gap spending bills designed to fund the federal government, pushing the likelihood of a government shutdown on October 1 closer to reality. Both bills—the Republican-backed continuing resolution previously passed by the House and a competing Democratic proposal—were defeated along mostly partisan lines, with neither securing the 60 votes required to advance.
The first vote was on the Democratic bill, which aimed to fund government operations with added priorities such as extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and preventing former President Trump from rescinding appropriated funds. This measure fell short with a tally of 47-45, strictly along party lines.
The Senate then considered the Republican continuing resolution (CR), which sought to maintain funding at current levels through November 20. It included additional security funding in response to the recent murder of Charlie Kirk, as well as a $1 billion fix for Washington D.C.’s budget. Despite having passed the House with one Democratic vote, the Senate rejected it 44-48. Notable votes against the CR included Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, illustrating dissent within party ranks.
With these defeats, congressional negotiators face a shrinking window to compromise before the new fiscal year begins at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, when unfunded federal agencies will begin to halt operations due to lack of appropriations.
Key senators emphasize that further negotiation is necessary, especially to accommodate concerns raised by Democrats about healthcare funding and other priorities. However, staunch fiscal conservatives like Senator Paul are expected to oppose continuing resolutions that do not meet their standards for spending restraint.
Earlier in the week, the Senate also failed to overcome procedural hurdles on smaller spending packages that fund agencies such as Agriculture, Transportation, and Housing, reflecting continuing challenges in rallying enough bipartisan support to advance comprehensive appropriations bills.
The ideological and procedural stalemates have heightened the risk of a partial federal government shutdown, which could impact a broad range of services and employees. Senators are expected to revisit attempts to pass emergency funding measures in the days leading up to the deadline, although the Senate’s schedule includes a recess next week, further compressing available time for agreement.
President Joe Biden and congressional leaders have urged swift action to prevent disruptions, but the divided Senate remains locked in disagreement over spending levels and policy provisions attached to funding bills.
As the clock ticks down, the prospect of a government shutdown looms, underscoring the persistent partisan impasse over federal budget priorities heading into the new fiscal year.