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Top Democrat Schumer backs Republican spending bill to avert shutdown
The US may avert a looming government shutdown after a top Democrat said he would support a Republican funding bill to keep it open. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his reversal on Thursday, after vowing he and other Democrats would block the bill, which would fund the government through September. It is possible a handful of other Democrats might now elect to vote to approve the measure, though it remains unclear. Democrats face two options: Help Republicans pass the bill or stand their ground and oppose it. If they oppose the bill, it is likely they would take the brunt of the blame for the shutdown, ... (full story)