Topline
The Senate voted Thursday against keeping the government open past Saturday—with Democrats refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security unless reforms are enacted in the wake of Alex Pretti’s shooting.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detain a young man while conducting federal enforcement operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States on January 27, 2026. (Photo by Madison Thorn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Key Facts
The Senate voted 45-55 to reject the funding plan, with seven Republicans voting alongside all Democrats against the legislation, falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed to break the filibuster.
The Senate could vote again later Thursday, however, as the White House is reportedly open to striking a deal with Democrats to keep the government open past the Saturday deadline.
The potential last-minute deal with Democrats involves negotiating DHS funding separately from the rest of the spending package, CNN and The New York Times reported late Wednesday.
The government would likely still partially shut down for several days if a deal is reached, however, as the House would also have to approve the new plan and is in recess until next week.
What To Watch For
The Senate is scheduled to vote Thursday whether to advance the legislation to avert a shutdown. At least seven Democrats need to vote in favor of the package to break the 60-vote filibuster threshold, assuming all 53 Republicans approve it.
Tangent
Senate Democrats released Wednesday a list of DHS reforms they want in exchange for agreeing to keep the government open. They want federal immigration agents to be prohibited from wearing masks, required to wear body cameras, adhere to the same use-of-force policies as local police departments, end roving patrols and have stricter standards for warrants.
Key Background
In addition to DHS, the legislation up for a vote Thursday would fund the departments of Defense, Labor, State, Transportation and Health and Human Services. The House has already approved the package. Funding will lapse for those agencies Saturday at midnight if lawmakers can’t come to an agreement.
Further Reading
Democrats Demand ICE Agents Remove Masks—Or Government Will Shut Down (Forbes)
Government Shutdown Could Hamstring IRS Amid Tax Season—But ICE Would Still Operate (Forbes)