The Senate is expected to begin voting Friday afternoon on a Republican-led stopgap measure to keep the government funded ahead of a midnight deadline.

The GOP-controlled Senate will press forward with a procedural vote to advance a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown before a midnight deadline.

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.