Schumer seeks Senate path for funding bill as government shutdown looms

Republicans protest aid to Ukraine and other features of $1.7tn bill meant to avoid partial shutdown on Friday

The push to pass a $1.7tn US government funding bill with more aid for Ukraine slowed on Wednesday as senators struggled to reach agreement on amendments needed to get to a final vote and avoid a partial government shutdown on Friday.

In comments on the Senate floor at around 2am on Thursday, the Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, said: “It is my expectation that we will be able to lock in an agreement on the omnibus tomorrow morning.