The U.S. Senate faces a Friday deadline to pass a $1.2 trillion spending bill, risking a partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats are demanding reforms to DHS funding in response to the recent killing of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, while Republicans insist on passing the bill as written.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Senate must pass a funding bill by midnight Friday to avoid a partial shutdown affecting multiple agencies, including DHS, Defense, and Education. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are blocking the bill unless DHS funding is stripped or reformed, citing concerns over ICE operations. Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins, urge passage of the current bill to prevent a shutdown.
Deeper Dive & Context
Demands for ICE Reforms
Progressive lawmakers, including Rep. Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, have outlined five key demands for DHS funding, including prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks, independent investigations into agent-involved killings, and withdrawing ICE from Minneapolis. Democrats argue the current funding enables "brutality" and lack of accountability.
Republican Resistance
Republicans, who control the Senate 53-47, have signaled they will not alter the bill, which requires 60 votes to pass. Sen. Collins acknowledged concerns over Pretti's death but urged colleagues to avoid a shutdown, calling it "detrimental." The White House has indicated a shifting strategy but has not detailed specific concessions.
Potential Shutdown Impact
A shutdown would furlough non-essential employees and force essential workers to operate without pay. Agencies like DHS, Defense, and Education would be affected, though other departments already funded by President Trump would remain open. The last shutdown in 2023 was triggered by separate disputes over immigration policy.
Political Fallout
Some Republicans, including those who previously supported President Trump's immigration policies, are now calling for investigations into ICE operations. Democrats frame the standoff as a moral moment, with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton speaking out against the current DHS funding approach.
Next Steps
With the House in recess and no plans to reconvene before the deadline, the Senate must act swiftly. If the bill is altered, it would require House approval, further complicating negotiations. The outcome hinges on whether Democrats can secure concessions or Republicans hold firm to avoid a shutdown.