WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will take a first procedural step on Thursday to allow his chamber to vote on a stopgap bill to avert a partial government shutdown that will otherwise begin in 12 days.

"Senators are ready to work this process the right way. Democrats talking to Republicans, both sides at the negotiating table, finding a way to keep the government open without partisan hoopla," he said in a speech on the Senate floor.