Senate Democrats Block Funding Bill for 12th Time

Senate Democrats on Wednesday blocked a stopgap funding measure for the 12th time, ensuring the government shutdown will enter its 23rd day.

The Senate voted 54-46 for the House-backed funding bill, falling short of the 60 votes needed for passage. Once again, Democrat Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, along with Angus King, I-Maine, who caucuses with Democrats, voted for the bill.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., again voted no, as did Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. Thune’s vote was a strategic ploy to enable a motion to reconsider, allowing Republicans to bring the bill back for another attempt, likely Thursday.