Senate Democrats block funding bills as DHS dispute raises shutdown threat

WASHINGTON, DC: The Senate on Thursday, January 29, blocked a sweeping government funding package, increasing the likelihood of a partial federal shutdown if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement by early Saturday.

The procedural vote stalled amid intensifying disputes over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration enforcement practices.

The impasse follows heightened scrutiny of federal immigration operations after the fatal shooting of a US citizen in Minnesota. Without a deal, funding for several major agencies is set to lapse at 12:01 am on Saturday, January 31.

Funding package fails as DHS becomes central point of dispute

The Senate voted 55-45 against advancing a six-bill funding package that would cover more than 75 percent of discretionary federal spending, including funding for the Departments of Homeland Security, State, Health and Human Services, and Defense. Eight Republicans joined all Senate Democrats in blocking the measure.

The House had already passed the legislation and left Washington for recess, and Senate leaders initially expected the package to advance smoothly. However, opposition hardened after the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen, by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis last weekend, an incident that has fueled bipartisan scrutiny of immigration enforcement activities.

Democrats said they will not support advancing the funding package as long as it includes DHS funding without additional restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While the DHS bill would reduce some enforcement and removal funding, it would also provide ICE with $10 billion for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The measure includes provisions requiring DHS to spend $20 million to equip immigration agents with body cameras, mandate additional training on de-escalation during public interactions, and allocate another $20 million for independent oversight of detention facilities.

Shutdown looms as lawmakers clash over immigration enforcement

With the House out of town until Monday, lawmakers acknowledged that a shutdown may be difficult to avoid, even temporarily. Programs funded under the stalled legislation would shut down if Congress does not act before the deadline. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats are willing to pass the other five funding bills while negotiations continue over changes to the DHS portion. “Congress has to step up to the plate,” Schumer said. “The Republican majority must step up to the plate.” He said “strong legislation to rein in ICE” is necessary, with Democrats seeking tighter rules around warrants, identification, and enforcement conduct.

Republicans said negotiations are ongoing. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said before the vote that talks were “trending in the right direction.” After the vote failed, Thune voted “no” to preserve the option to bring the bill back for reconsideration.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday, January 29, that his administration was in discussions with Democrats and signaled opposition to a shutdown. “We’re working on that right now,” Trump said. “We don’t want a shutdown.”