Senate Democrats are not willing to allow a government shutdown and are considering voting for a GOP-crafted six-month stopgap spending bill to keep the government open. There is internal debate among Democrats about the best strategy to avoid a shutdown.
Key Points
Senate Democrats are considering voting for a six-month stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown
There is internal debate among Democrats on the best strategy to prevent a shutdown
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is giving room for centrist Democrats to vote for the House-passed bill
Democratic senators are concerned about the consequences of a shutdown and the impact on essential services
Pros
Avoiding a government shutdown
Giving room for centrist Democrats to vote for the House-passed funding bill
Cons
Disappointing some liberals who wanted a more confrontational stance against the GOP-written bill