A stopgap spending bill that would avert an Oct. 1 government shutdown fell short in the U.S. Senate on Friday, as Democrats withheld support for the legislation while demanding higher spending for healthcare.

The 44-48 vote, coming on the eve of a week-long congressional recess, raises the chances that federal agencies will shut down if a deal between Republicans and Democrats cannot be struck before current funding expires at midnight on Sept. 30.