Democrats launched a fiery 15-hour Senate session early Friday, turning a routine budget vote into a platform to oppose DOGE workforce reductions and demand stronger Ukraine support. The marathon debate saw lawmakers spar over Elon Musk's government efficiency reforms, Trump-era tax policies, and border security funding.
This budget isn't about security - it's about shredding the social safety net,declared Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), condemning proposed cuts to Medicaid and federal agencies. Senators proposed 37 amendments targeting:
- Rehiring 25,000 DOGE-terminated public workers
- $4.5 trillion in billionaire tax breaks
- Funding for avian flu prevention programs
Republicans ultimately passed their $340 billion budget framework 52-48, but not before Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) coined Trumpflation to describe policies he claims worsen inflation. The package now moves to House negotiations where Speaker Mike Johnson aims to expand tax cuts to $4.5 trillion.
Ukraine funding emerged as a key flashpoint, with multiple Democrats attempting to lock in military aid commitments. Abandoning Ukraine now would hand Putin his biggest victory since 2022,argued Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI). This came hours after Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) blasted Trump's claims about Ukraine starting the Russia conflict as dangerous historical revisionism.
While no Democratic amendments passed, the session revealed growing party unity against Musk's DOGE reforms. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) highlighted 20% staffing cuts at national parks, while Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) warned reduced USDA funding could spike egg prices higher.