WASHINGTON
US President Donald Trump on Friday congratulated Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for deciding to vote to advance a House-passed government funding bill.
"Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took “guts” and courage!" Trump said on Truth Social.
His remarks came a day after Schumer said that he would vote to advance the House-Republican drafted six-month government funding bill, continuing resolution (CR), to lower the chances of a government shutdown Saturday.
"The big Tax Cuts, L.A. fire fix, Debt Ceiling Bill, and so much more, is coming. We should all work together on that very dangerous situation. A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights," Trump said, hailing "really good and smart" move by Schumer.
"This could lead to something big for the USA, a whole new direction and beginning!" Trump added.
Speaking on the Senate floor on Thursday, Schumer said while the CR bill is "very bad," the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are "much, much worse."
He added that a shutdown would give Trump and tech-billionaire Elon Musk "a carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now."
However, his move put Schumer at odds with many in his party.
With Republicans holding a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, eight Democrats are needed to join Republicans in supporting the measure to clear the 60-vote threshold and send the bill to Trump’s desk before current funding expires at 11.59 p.m. local time on Friday.
The Senate is now considering the bill to extend government funding through Sept. 30.