Move comes after president says a government shutdown is likely
Spending bills need 60 votes to clear procedural hurdles in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 51-49 edge.
Later Friday morning, the president encouraged Mr. McConnell to change the rules of the Senate to enable spending bills to pass with a simple majority instead of the 60 votes required to clear procedural hurdles.
“Mitch, use the Nuclear Option and get it done! Our Country is counting on you!” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter.