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.

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Top U.S. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer on Thursday said he would vote to advance a Republican stopgap funding bill, signaling that his party would provide the votes to avert a government shutdown.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D, N.Y.) spoke from the Senate floor a day after he said Democrats were prepared to shut down the federal government. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/ WASHINGTON—Senate Democrats took the threat of a government shutdown off the table,