Senate Blocks Spending Bill in Step Toward Avoiding Shutdown
: A U.S. flag flies in front of the dome of the U.S. Capitol February 12, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
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Senate Democrats blocked a U.S. government spending measure Thursday that would strip Planned Parenthood funding, a step that may push lawmakers toward a plan to avoid a shutdown when financing ends Sept. 30.
The 47-52 Senate vote, with 60 required, failed to advance the measure, which would fund the government until Dec. 11. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell planned to schedule a vote Monday on a new stopgap spending proposal that would keep Planned Parenthood funds untouched, said second-ranking Senate Republican John Cornyn of Texas.