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.

Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, said he would vote to end the filibuster, indicating sufficient support among other party members to allow vote on Republican bill.

House Republicans passed a federal funding bill backed by President Donald Trump largely on their own Tuesday. It also marked one of the rare occasions in recent memory that a majority of House Democrats voted against a bill that would prevent a government shutdown.

The continuing resolution will need to be passed by the Senate and signed by Trump into law by Friday to avoid a shutdown.

House Republicans passed a bill to fund the government through the end of September 2025. The measure now heads to the Senate, where Democrats face a "stark" choice.

The measure’s fate is uncertain in the Senate, where several Democrats will be needed to cross the 60-vote threshold for it to pass.