Spending bill flops in Senate as shutdown looms

The Senate failed today to pass a funding bill that would prevent the government from shutting down this weekend. Democrats opposed the measure, as did some conservative Republicans, leading to a vote of 45-55. The bill needs 60 votes to move forward without a filibuster. Republicans have already compromised on funding to fight the Zika virus, a key provision for Democrats. The GOP took out language from the bill that could have blocked Planned Parenthood from getting funds to combat Zika, and Democrats agreed most of the Zika funding would go to mosquito eradication and vaccine development. Democrats also want emergency funding for Flint, Mich., which is suffering the effects of having its water supply contaminated by lead in 2014. Republicans want to address that issue later in a separate bill, but Democrats want it included in this one, which is why many of them did not vote for it.

The Assocaited Press contributed to this report.