US Senate fails to advance spending package amid shutdown fears

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US Senate failed to advance a government spending package Thursday after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed, raising concerns about a potential shutdown with a Jan. 30 deadline approaching.

The chamber voted 45-55 on whether to invoke cloture on a motion to proceed with an appropriations minibus covering the Defense Department, Homeland Security (DHS) and other agencies.

Democrats are pressing the White House for an agreement to consider funding for the DHS separately from other departments.

US President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday he hopes to avoid a shutdown. "Hopefully, we won't have a shutdown. We're working on that right now. I think we're getting close," Trump told reporters.

Trump said he believes Democrats want to prevent a government closure. "So, we'll work in a very bipartisan way, I believe, not to have a shutdown," he added.

The vote on the motion to proceed to the package, which includes six appropriations bills, requires 60 votes.

The failed procedural vote leaves Congress with limited time to reach a compromise before funding expires Jan. 30.