Senate races against clock as Graham blocks funding deal, risking near-certain midnight shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC: The federal government is hours away from a funding lapse, with Senate leaders racing against the clock to keep parts of the government operational before the midnight deadline. Despite a late Thursday agreement reached among Senate Democrats, the White House, and Republican leadership, funding for dozens of agencies is still set to expire, as the House of Representatives will not return to Washington until Monday.

Under the provisional plan, lawmakers will separate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a larger six-bill spending package. The Senate will immediately pass the remaining five appropriations bills and approve a short, two-week extension of DHS funding at current levels. The stopgap measure is designed to allow more time for ongoing negotiations regarding immigration enforcement, which has become the central issue in the discussions.

Graham dubs agreement a disappointing deal

Momentum behind the plan stalled Thursday night when Senator Lindsey Graham publicly rejected the agreement. Speaking to reporters after leaving Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office, Graham stated that he could not support the proposal, calling it a “bad deal.”

Graham pointed to sharp criticism from Democrats regarding federal immigration agents as a key factor in his opposition. “I’ve never been more offended than I am right now of what’s being said about these folks,” he said, referring to immigration enforcement officers.

His objection prevents efforts to fast-track the legislation through unanimous consent, a process that requires approval from all 100 senators. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed frustration after lawmakers adjourned without a vote, saying the bill was stalled by Graham and that Senate Republicans “need to get their act together.” Thune acknowledged the impasse, adding, “We’ve got snags on both sides, but tomorrow’s another day.” 

Senate returns without scheduled votes

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene at 11 a.m. on Friday to resume consideration of the motion to proceed on the six-bill funding package, according to Majority Whip John Barrasso’s office. Currently, no votes are formally scheduled.

The likely next step would be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed, which requires 60 votes for approval. If the vote is successful, senators may then amend the package by removing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and replacing it with the two-week extension. While unanimous consent could potentially expedite the process, Senator Graham’s opposition adds uncertainty to that path.

Funding lapse likely minimal impact

With the House not in session, a brief funding lapse at 12 a.m. Saturday seems likely. However, the practical impact of a partial government shutdown could be limited if Congress finalizes a deal within days.

Shutdown procedures typically begin Monday morning, when agencies assess essential operations and furlough non-essential workers according to guidance from the Office of Management and Budget.

If leadership indicates that funding approval is imminent, these procedures may never fully take effect. Lawmakers often set Friday deadlines specifically to allow negotiations to continue over the weekend. Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that if the Senate passes the plan on Friday, the House would move to approve it Monday, followed quickly by the president’s signature. There is little desire on Capitol Hill for a prolonged shutdown like last fall’s 43-day standoff.

Trump urges bipartisan yes vote

President Donald Trump endorsed the compromise Thursday night, encouraging lawmakers from both parties to support the plan. In a post on Truth Social, he warned that another shutdown would harm the country.

“The only thing that can slow our Country down is another long and damaging Government Shutdown,” Trump wrote, calling on Republicans and Democrats alike to deliver a bipartisan “YES” vote to keep the government operating.