The Senate approaches a key test vote Friday afternoon as lawmakers work to avoid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats confronting 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.

The U.S. Senate on Friday night averted a looming midnight shutdown of federal government by passing a funding bill after approving a key procedural vote with the support of enough Democrats.

The Senate on Friday voted to avert a government shutdown, just hours before the midnight deadline. The stopgap funding bill bill, which narrowly passed the House earlier this week, triggered a fierce battle within the Senate Democratic caucus over how to handle the package,