The Latest: Senate Has Just Hours Left To Avoid A Partial Government Shutdown

The Senate is finding itself in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare Friday. Democrats have only painful options: allow passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions, or vote no and give Trump free rein. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration before making clear he will not allow a government shutdown.

Also Friday, it's Trump's move now that two federal judges handed down orders Thursday requiring his administration to rehire thousands of probationary federal workers let go in mass firings . Trump also plans a Justice Department rally for what he's calling a tough-on-crime agenda. And he's asked the Supreme Court to limit a nationwide order that for now prevents him from denying birthright citizenship , a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

Here's the Latest.

What to know about the bill being debated by the Senate

Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they've resorted to passing short-term extensions instead. The legislation before the Senate marks the third such continuing resolution for the current fiscal year, now nearly half over.