The Senate has made a decisive move to keep the government funded, passing a crucial procedural vote that sets the stage for a final floor decision. As the clock ticked towards a government shutdown at midnight, nine Democrats and an independent joined the Republicans, ensuring the government continues to operate and securing an early victory for President Donald Trump.
In a bold announcement on the Senate floor, Chuck Schumer declared, “While the CR bill is very bad… Allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.” Schumer likened a shutdown to handing Trump, along with figures like Elon Musk and Russ Vought, “The keys to the city, state and country.”
The vote, concluding at 62-38, saw Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stand as the sole Republican dissenting voice. This aligns with predictions from Rep. Thomas Massie, who foresaw a seemingly contentious vote resulting in Democratic support to pass the bill. Massie had earlier criticized the ongoing votes as a “fake fight,” predicting Democratic cooperation in the Senate.
Massie, the lone GOP member to oppose the CR in the House, shared his reasoning in a video, criticizing House Speaker Mike Johnson for making deals with Senate Democrats and leadership. He condemned the resolution as a “UNIPARTY deal” that fails to fund essential projects like the border wall but does allocate funds to USAID.
WATCH: GOP Rep. Thomas Massie Explains Why He Was the Only GOP Holdout on Trump-Backed Continuing Resolution
— [Source](https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/03/watch-gop-rep-thomas-massie-explains-why-he/)
Despite criticism, President Trump urged the House and Senate to pass the bill unanimously to further his agenda, even going as far as to threaten a primary challenge against Massie. Trump compared Massie to RINO Liz Cheney, warning of a similar downfall.
As reported by CNN, the Senate will now proceed with four amendments to the funding bill before the final passage vote. The Democratic caucus members who supported advancing the measure are:
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
- Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin
- Senate Democratic Chief Deputy Whip Brian Schatz
- Sen. Kristen Gillibrand
- Sen. Maggie Hassan
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto
- Sen. John Fetterman
- Sen. Gary Peters
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
- Sen. Angus King (Independent, caucusing with Democrats)
