WASHINGTON-The Senate's top Democrat says he's committed to Senate passage of a temporary spending bill to prevent a government shutdown this weekend - though he's not yet backing a new House measure.

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York also said he'll block any attempt to pass a separate disaster aid measure, saying changes are needed.

Schumer said he wants bargaining leverage for a host of issues being punted into next year, including the budget and immigration.

He said it's unclear what funding measures the GOP-controlled House will send to the Senate and whether or not they would be acceptable to him.

Senate Democrats hold leverage in the year-end shutdown showdown, which is a factor in GOP leaders' moves to kick so much unfinished business into the new year.