WASHINGTON - A partial government shutdown was avoided Friday after the U.S. Senate approved a bill to keep the government funded through the end of September. Senators sent the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk for approval in a 54-46 vote.

Yesterday, the House passed legislation to fund the government through Sept. 30 and thereby avert a shutdown at the end of this week. The measure now goes to the Senate, where Democrats must decide whether to support it and thereby hand Trump and Musk a blank check to continue their assault on the federal government.

A continuing resolution to avoid a partial government shutdown passed the Senate 54-46 Friday evening. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decided to advance the bill backed by President Donald Trump despite strong opposition from members of his own party.