Democrats faced two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives the president vast discretion on spending ...

WASHINGTON - The Senate passed a Republican-led government funding bill on Friday, averting a midnight government shutdown.

Democrats, including House leaders and senators, repeatedly declined to answer whether they maintained confidence in Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader.

The vote came at a steep price for Democrats, fracturing the party with calls to oust Schumer as leader and primary Democrats who sided with the GOP.