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.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives earlier this week passed the measure, which largely leaves spending steady at about $6.75 trillion in the fiscal year that ends September 30. Democrats expressed anger over the bill,

For the second time in less than four months, a government shutdown is looming with a matter of hours until a Friday night deadline.

Senate Democrats remained tight-lipped on Thursday after meeting on the fast-approaching government funding deadline, creating a heightened prospect for a shutdown.

A day before a shutdown deadline, Senate Democrats are mounting a last-ditch protest over a Republican-led spending bill that already passed the House.