Senators are scheduled to vote Wednesday on two competing proposals: the House Republicans’ plan, which includes $57 billion in new cuts from 2010 spending levels, and the Senate Democrats’ proposal, which draws the line at $4.7 billion in new cuts. But both sides acknowledge those votes will be mostly to show that neither bill can pass.

“We want the American people to know that [the House bill] is dead. And we’ll get there,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat…

With the current funding expiring on March 18, House Republicans said they lack faith the Senate will act in time. So they are preparing another short-term spending bill to keep the government open…

Mr. Reid, though, said he is opposed to more short-term measures.