Republicans Defect as Senate Funding Vote Fails, Making Shutdown Likely
Eight Senate Republicans joined Democrats in blocking a six-bill funding package Thursday, greatly increasing the probability of a partial government shutdown.
The Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to end debate on a package that would fund the State Department and financial regulators, as well as agencies overseeing homeland security, war, education, labor, health, and housing.
All Senate Democrats opposed ending debate on the bill, as leaders demanded restraints on federal immigration enforcement.
Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody of Florida, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Ted Budd of North Carolina all voted against ending debate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., voted “no” in order to make a motion to reconsider.
Scott, Johnson, Lee, and Paul have criticized earmarks in the package. Scott has called it a “horrible spending bill.”
Tuberville explained his vote on social media, writing, “I voted no on........
