The Senate moved closer to averting a shutdown as debate over DHS funding intensified following a fatal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting in Minnesota. Lawmakers advanced a $174 billion spending package Monday night, but divisions over border security and enforcement agencies continue to stall completion of the remaining bills.
The Senate approved the three-bill “minibus” package by an 81-14 vote, setting up final passage later this week and sending it to President Donald Trump’s desk. The measure cleared the House last week with broad bipartisan support, signaling urgency to avoid another shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Democrats want to fund the appropriations, the spending bills, all the way through 2026.”
Despite progress, lawmakers still face a Jan. 30 deadline to fund the rest of the government. Sen. John Kennedy warned that a stopgap measure is unavoidable. “Of course there’s gonna be a short-term CR,” Kennedy said. “There’s gonna be a CR, it’s just a question of how big is the CR going to be?”
The most contentious issue remains DHS funding, which lawmakers excluded from the current package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the DHS bill “one of the most difficult ones” that creates political conflict. Tensions escalated after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.
Sen. Chris Murphy argued the incident exposed risks within federal enforcement agencies. He said the shooting “has crystallized for the American people the real danger that exists out there in the way that ICE and [Customs and Border Protection] are operating.” Murphy added, “I understand we have to get Republican votes… but if they want Democratic votes for a DHS appropriations bill, they’re going to have to work with us on our concerns.”
