Key Takeaways The Senate passed a bill Friday funding the federal government through September, cutting off the threat of a shutdown.Though in the minority, Senate Democrats could have blocked the budget using the Senate's filibuster rule.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate finds itself on Friday in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare as Democrats confront two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.

Democrats are facing intense pressure to push back against the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an unofficial department created by executive order and nominally led by billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk,