In a surprise twist, three Senate Democrats have broken ranks and voted with Republicans to keep the government from shutting down.
Here’s the news:
Democrats/Independents voting Yes on the House-passed GOP CR with vote still open:
Cortez Masto (NV)
Fetterman (PA)
King (ME)— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) September 30, 2025
Three won’t be enough to keep the government open, though, as Republicans only have 53 votes in the House. Four more Democrats would need to defect:
With Coons (D-DE) voting No on House-passed CR, the vote is now 51-41 with 60 votes needed, meaning the bill will likely bill defeated.
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) September 30, 2025
So if this doesn’t get resolved by midnight, the Schumer shutdown of the government will happen.
BIG UPDATE: The Schumer Shutdown will now commence at midnight after all be 3 of them voted to shut the government down.
Also Rand Paul joined them.
By a vote of 55-45, the Senate did not pass H.R. 5371, the Republican Appropriations and Extensions Act, upon reconsideration. (60-votes needed)
Senators Cortez Masto, Fetterman, and King (I) voted aye.
Senator Paul voted no.— Senate Press Gallery (@SenatePress) September 30, 2025