US nears government shutdown after Democrats oppose Republican bill that ‘guts healthcare’

The US federal government drew closer to a shutdown on Friday, after Democrats opposed a Republican-backed measure that would extend funding for another two months, saying it did not include provisions to protect healthcare programs.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved the spending bill on a near party line vote, with only Maine Democrat Jared Golden breaking with his party to vote in favor. The Senate will consider the measure later in the day, but its chances of passage are slim, since it will need at least some Democratic support to clear the 60-vote threshold to overcome the filibuster.

Democrats’ rejection of the GOP’s proposal to keep the government open through 21 November sets up a showdown over spending that, if not resolved, could see federal departments and agencies close and workers furloughed at the end of September, when the current funding authorization expires.