Trump signs continuing resolution, averts federal government shutdown

The threat of a federal government shutdown, an irritatingly regular occurrence in Washington, reared its head again in recent days, though resolution was ultimately achieved on Saturday.

As Fox News reports, President Donald Trump affixed his signature to H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, following its passage in the House and Senate, effectively thwarting the shutdown that would have otherwise occurred.

Budget extension secured

The continuing resolution grants an extension of the current federal budget until the end of September, and its passage was bolstered by all but one Senate Republicans, with Rand Paul (R-KY) opposing its approval.

In the end, 10 Democrats joined Republicans in support of the CR, a move that typically does not bother those on the liberal side of the aisle, but which came with a host of political difficulties for them this time around, given the fact that the measure was backed by Trump.

Democrats who voted to approve the measure included Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), as well as Sens. Angus King (I-ME), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Those on the left were clearly torn about the wisdom of the CR, with Rep. Nancy Pelosi weighing in ahead of the bill's passage in the Senate, suggesting that her colleagues listen to an alternative plan championed by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) that sought a “four-week funding extension to keep government open and negotiate a bipartisan agreement.”

Though Schumer initially signaled his unwillingness to help pass the CR, the tide appeared to turn when Trump vowed to make it clear to the American people that any resulting shutdown would be the fault of Democrats.

Democrats react to Schumer's move

Though Trump praised Schumer's decision to help the GOP pass the CR, calling it “the right thing” and something that took “guts and courage,” many Democrats felt otherwise.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was reportedly among those incensed by Schumer's conduct, according to Politico, and when he was asked whether Democrats should consider replacing him in his leadership role, he pointedly replied, “Next question.”

Firebrand Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was similarly angered, as The Hill notes, asserting that there is “a deep sense of outrage and betrayal” among Democrats over what some see as Schumer's surrender.

Democrat Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, however, suggested that while he did not support the CR, he understands the political realities that led a handful of fellow Democrats to do so.

Whitehouse said on Sunday that if a shutdown had occurred, the Trump Office of Management and Budget would have secured additional power to restructure the government, though considering the rapid pace at which the president and his Department of Government Efficiency is already working, that ship – to liberals' chagrin – may have already sailed.