Federal Government Careening Toward Shutdown After Eight Senate Republicans Team Up With Democrats to Kill Funding Bill

"The federal government remains on the verge of another shutdown after the Senate blocked an appropriations bill that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security. In the wake of the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of Border Patrol agents in Minnesota, DHS funding has become a hot-button issue as the government attempts to avoid another shutdown. Democrats have called to reduce DHS funding, arguing that the money has funded abuses of power during ICE's immigration operations."

"Days earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released a video confirming Senate Dems would not support the bill until ICE is reined in and overhauled. In the wake of ICE's abuses and the administration's recklessness, Senate Democrats will NOT pass the DHS budget until it is rewritten. I will vote no on any legislation that funds ICE until it is reined in and overhauled. pic.twitter.com/PQRSJUBkuM Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 27, 2026"

"At the end of Thursday's Senate vote, it was revealed the bill was rejected by a count of 55-45. The bill requires 60 to pass through the Senate, meaning it needs a whopping 33% more votes. Every Senate Democrat voted against the bill, and they were joined by eight Republicans. Those Republicans included Rick Scott (FL), Tommy Tuberville (AL), and Rand Paul (KY), among others."

The Senate rejected an appropriations package that included Department of Homeland Security funding, leaving the federal government facing a potential shutdown. The vote failed 55-45, short of the 60-vote threshold, with every Senate Democrat voting no and eight Republicans joining the opposition. Democrats tied opposition to calls to rein in and overhaul ICE after allegations of abuses, and cited the death of Alex Pretti following Border Patrol actions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed Democrats would not back DHS funding until ICE reforms are implemented. Senate Majority Leader John Thune cast a late no vote and moved to reconsider the measure. The government must pass funding by 11:59 p.m. ET Friday to avoid a shutdown.

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