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.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A day before a shutdown deadline, Senate Democrats are mounting a last-ditch protest over a Republican-led government funding bill that already passed the House but failed to slap any limits on President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to gut federal operations.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D, N.Y.) spoke from the Senate floor a day after he said Democrats were prepared to shut down the federal government. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/ WASHINGTON—Senate Democrats took the threat of a government shutdown off the table,