WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Democrats dealt a surprise blow to Republican leaders Friday, blocking a year-end funding plan that was poised to advance through Congress and forcing lawmakers to abruptly adjourn for the holidays without finalizing federal spending legislation.

Republican senators had been preparing to pass a multi-bill funding package as one of the final acts of the year, aimed at allocating federal funds to key departments including Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Transportation. However, in a last-minute procedural move, Senate Democrats refused to support the measure, effectively halting its progress and sending lawmakers back to their home districts with unfinished business. AOL

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed frustration at the turn of events, saying Republican leaders were “ready to move forward” but were thwarted by Democratic opposition. Thune added that senators hope the two parties can return in January with a renewed effort to pass a funding plan. AOL

The funding package had taken weeks of negotiation and was seen by many Republicans as critical to avoid another potential government shutdown early in the new year. Lawmakers had spent weeks building consensus on the proposals, but they were unable to secure enough support from their Democratic counterparts before the holiday recess. AOL

Democrats said they blocked the plan because they wanted greater input on spending priorities and conditions tied to additional policy goals. The impasse comes amid broader legislative fights on issues ranging from healthcare subsidies to immigration policy — and highlights the deep partisan divisions in Congress as lawmakers head into a pivotal election year. AOL

With lawmakers gone for the holidays and no funding deal in place, Congress now faces a compressed timeline in early 2026 to resolve budget negotiations and avert a government funding gap. Political analysts say this last-minute disruption will likely intensify partisan disagreements when the new session begins.