Trump Signs Bill to Avert Government Shutdown Amid Democratic Divide

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed legislation on March 15, 2025, to fund the government through the end of September, effectively ending the looming threat of a partial government shutdown. This action came after a contentious debate among Democrats in Congress.

According to Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary, the continuing resolution was signed on Saturday. The bill largely maintains government funding at levels established during Joe Biden‘s presidency, with certain adjustments. It reduces non-defense spending by approximately $13 billion from the previous year while increasing defense spending by about $6 billion, a minor adjustment relative to the total spending of nearly $1.7 trillion.

The Senate approved the bill on March 14 in a 54-46 vote along party lines. A notable ten Democratic senators backed the measure, proceeding despite opposition from within their party, particularly from House Democrats urging a complete rejection of the proposal.

Discontent among Senate Democrats stemmed from the manner in which the bill was drafted and passed by House Republicans without Democratic input, prompting concerns over funding for priorities like health care and housing. Critics argued that the bill also allowed Trump excessive freedom to reallocate federal funds while his administration initiated cuts to congressionally approved spending.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer articulated that a government shutdown would empower Trump to categorize federal agencies and employees as non-essential, potentially leading to widespread furloughs without guarantee of reemployment. “A shutdown will allow the Department of Government Efficiency to shift into overdrive,” Schumer stated. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”

During earlier House discussions, the passing of the funding bill represented a significant achievement for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to align Republicans behind the bill without Democratic support—an infrequent accomplishment in recent years.

In discussions on PBS NewsHour, Amna Nawaz moderated a segment featuring New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart. They engaged in dialogue about the political dynamics highlighted by this funding bill process. Nawaz noted the rift among Democrats, with figures like Nancy Pelosi openly encouraging Senate Democrats to oppose the bill and suggesting that hefty criticism would follow Chuck Schumer’s support.

“What we saw was a profound division regarding the strategy employed in navigating this funding bill,” Nawaz commented. Capehart echoed this sentiment, pointing out that while Democrats faced dilemmas, the Republican Party maintained control over the narrative around the legislation.

Capehart remarked, “If you have a mandate, then use the mandate and pass your Republican-only negotiated bill. The Republicans crowed for months after the election about their mandate, yet they kicked Democrats out of negotiations.” He argued that Senate Democrats had a chance to demonstrate their resistance, emphasizing the importance of taking decisive actions in the face of rising challenges presented by Trump’s administration.

Brooks responded to the conversation by aligning with Schumer’s perspective, noting that a shutdown would empower Trump to manipulate funding agencies and programs. He emphasized concerns about the dangers involved in the Democrats’ approach: “By shutting the government, you’re expanding Trump’s power…”

The political atmosphere remains charged as some Democrats vow not to yield to the pressures emanating from the Trump administration. This funding bill serves as a focal point for future debates as economic sentiments fluctuate among consumers, underscoring the prevailing tensions within American governance.