Monday's vote by Senate Republicans to stop a stopgap bill to fund the government beyond October was a victory for the Republicans. It also raised the debt limit and kept the government open. This expected result still puts the United States one step closer to a potentially disastrous economic future.
WASHINGTON DC - September 27: Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell (R.KY) walks alongside an aide to... [+] on the Senate floor at U.S. Capitol September 27, 20,21 in Washington, DC. Congress will vote on continuing funding to avoid a shutdown of the government before Friday's deadline. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images).
All 49 Senate Republicans in the chamber voted against it. 48 Democrats voted for the bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer switched his vote to "no" as a procedural tactic to bring the bill back up later. The bill needed at least 60 votes in order to be passed by the filibuster.
The bill provides funds for Afghan refugees to resettle and disaster assistance to areas affected by natural disasters this summer. However, it also contains a crucial measure to pay off debt that was approved by Trump's administration.
