The U.S. Senate narrowly passed a Republican-led funding bill, preventing a government shutdown and sparking tension among Democrats. The bill was approved by a 54-46 vote, with ten Senate Democrats siding with Republicans to overcome a filibuster. House Democrats have strongly opposed the bill, arguing it strengthens the political influence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, particularly in reshaping federal agencies. As the debate intensifies, Democratic leaders are grappling with their next steps in the face of a divided party.

Senate Vote Creates Tension Among Democrats
The Senate passed the funding bill after a contentious vote in which ten Senate Democrats joined Republicans to secure its approval. Despite the bill’s passage, House Democrats are outraged, criticizing the bill for aligning with the agendas of former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the bill, calling it a “direct attack” on working-class families and accusing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of failing to push for a temporary extension. Progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also voiced strong opposition, labeling Schumer’s actions a “betrayal” of Democratic values.

During a Democratic policy retreat in Virginia, Ocasio-Cortez rallied her supporters to pressure Schumer into rejecting the bill. According to reports, some House Democrats are even considering encouraging Ocasio-Cortez to challenge Schumer in a future primary election, underscoring the growing divide within the party.

Schumer Defends His Vote Amid Criticism
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer defended his decision to support the bill, despite acknowledging its flaws. Schumer argued that blocking the legislation could have triggered a government shutdown with more damaging consequences. “This Republican bill is far from ideal,” he stated, “but allowing Trump to gain more power through a shutdown would be even worse.”

While Schumer’s rationale helped secure the bill’s passage, many Democrats remain unconvinced. They argue that the bill empowers Trump and Musk’s influence over federal agencies, especially Musk’s controversial “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which advocates for drastic cuts to federal programs.

Concerns Over Trump and Musk’s Expanding Influence
Former President Trump praised Schumer’s support for the bill, calling it a “courageous decision.” However, many Democrats worry that passing the bill would significantly enhance Trump’s control over federal agencies. Schumer himself warned that a government shutdown could allow Musk’s DOGE initiative to accelerate drastic cuts to federal programs.

“If the government shuts down, DOGE will take full advantage of the chaos,” Schumer warned. “Trump and Musk would move even faster to dismantle critical government services.” Schumer’s concerns highlight the growing unease among Democratic lawmakers, who fear the potential long-term consequences of the bill’s passage.

In response, federal worker advocacy groups, including the Federal Unionists Network, strongly opposed the bill, arguing it worsens conditions for public employees. Spokesperson Chris Dols criticized Congress for failing to protect federal workers, stating that the bill would give Trump and Musk a free hand in pushing their anti-government agenda.

Divisions Among Democrats Over Next Steps
As the bill heads toward becoming law with Trump’s expected approval, Senate Democrats are divided on how to move forward. Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested that potential amendments could address Democratic concerns, but with Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, Democrats have limited leverage.

Some Senate Democrats, such as Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, reluctantly supported the bill, fearing that rejecting it could lead to a more damaging shutdown. “We don’t like this bill, but letting the government shut down would create an even bigger disaster,” Fetterman explained.

Others, including Ocasio-Cortez, are calling for Senate Democrats to take a stronger stance. “Many of our members took political risks to protect working families,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “For Senate Democrats to even consider caving to Musk is unacceptable.”

What’s Next for Democrats?
The growing divide among Senate and House Democrats signals deeper struggles within the party as they attempt to counter the policies of Trump’s administration. With Trump likely to sign the bill into law, Democrats face an uncertain future in pushing back against what they see as a dangerous political agenda.

As discussions continue, the internal divisions threaten to undermine the party’s ability to effectively challenge the Republican-led initiatives. With both the House and Senate divided, the coming months will be crucial in determining how Democrats navigate their relationship with Musk, Trump, and the ongoing battle over federal funding.