US Senate Fails to Advance Spending Package Amid DHS Funding Dispute
A crucial vote aimed at averting a partial government shutdown fell short in the US Senate on Thursday, as Democrats refused to back funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms were included. The rejection has raised concerns that a government shutdown could occur as early as Friday, when current spending authorizations expire.
The dispute centers on the treatment of federal agents involved in the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, which many argue amounts to violence against innocent civilians. Democrats have demanded reforms, including an end to mask-wearing by federal agents, imposition of a code of conduct, and independent investigations into any wrongdoing.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune had proposed a six-bill package that included funding for DHS, defense, labor, health and human services, and other departments. However, the bill was rejected by Democrats after Schumer demanded that reforms be incorporated into the legislation.
"We cannot allow this violent status quo to continue," Schumer said before the vote. "Republicans in Congress must work with us on real legislation to rein in ICE."
A bipartisan deal is reportedly being negotiated between Democrats and Republicans, which could result in passage of most government funding bills and a short-term measure covering DHS. However, talks remain fluid, and it's uncertain whether an agreement can be reached in time.
The failure to advance the spending package has implications for tens of billions of dollars in funding for DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US border patrol operations. A shutdown could continue ICE's deportation efforts, which have been a source of controversy under the Trump administration.
With the House out of session until Monday, it remains likely that DHS funding will expire over the weekend. The White House has expressed desire to avoid another shutdown, with President Trump acknowledging negotiations with Democrats are ongoing.
A crucial vote aimed at averting a partial government shutdown fell short in the US Senate on Thursday, as Democrats refused to back funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms were included. The rejection has raised concerns that a government shutdown could occur as early as Friday, when current spending authorizations expire.
The dispute centers on the treatment of federal agents involved in the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, which many argue amounts to violence against innocent civilians. Democrats have demanded reforms, including an end to mask-wearing by federal agents, imposition of a code of conduct, and independent investigations into any wrongdoing.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune had proposed a six-bill package that included funding for DHS, defense, labor, health and human services, and other departments. However, the bill was rejected by Democrats after Schumer demanded that reforms be incorporated into the legislation.
"We cannot allow this violent status quo to continue," Schumer said before the vote. "Republicans in Congress must work with us on real legislation to rein in ICE."
A bipartisan deal is reportedly being negotiated between Democrats and Republicans, which could result in passage of most government funding bills and a short-term measure covering DHS. However, talks remain fluid, and it's uncertain whether an agreement can be reached in time.
The failure to advance the spending package has implications for tens of billions of dollars in funding for DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US border patrol operations. A shutdown could continue ICE's deportation efforts, which have been a source of controversy under the Trump administration.
With the House out of session until Monday, it remains likely that DHS funding will expire over the weekend. The White House has expressed desire to avoid another shutdown, with President Trump acknowledging negotiations with Democrats are ongoing.
! Like, can't they just agree on a spending package already? 
A government shutdown would be a total disaster for the country, especially with all those people counting on their services 
. I'm getting anxious about what's gonna happen next... 
It feels like politics has been reduced to a big ol' game of "who can hold up the most stuff" 
. On one hand, I'm glad that people are speaking out about the injustices committed by some DHS agents - it's time for accountability! 
But on the other hand, why can't they just compromise? 
It feels like Democrats and Republicans are so far apart, it's like they're speaking different languages 
.
I mean, a partial shutdown could happen as soon as Friday?! 
What even is that? And what about all those people who rely on these services? 
It's just chaos 
. But at the same time, I'm glad to see that Schumer and Trump are talking - maybe this can be something good coming out of it 
. Fingers crossed 
!
I mean, I know there's a lot of controversy surrounding ICE and deportation efforts, but come on, how many people does the US need to deport before it's fair enough? 
It's just so frustrating when politics gets in the way of, you know, actual problem-solving and stuff. Can we please just pass a bill already?! 
i feel bad for the folks working at DHS, they're already stressed out enough. but at the same time, can't we find a compromise? 
maybe there's a middle ground where everyone gets a bit of what they want? 
.
. It's not all or nothing, right? Can't we find some common ground and make this happen without shutting down the whole government? 
. We don't need another shutdown, trust me 
This is so frustrating! I'm literally on the edge of my seat waiting for this bipartisan deal to be finalized. We can't afford a government shutdown at this time when there's already so much uncertainty and unrest in our country. The fact that Schumer is pushing for reforms, especially regarding ICE, is a step in the right direction 
. It's about time someone stood up for those who are being mistreated and marginalized by these deportation efforts.
my money's on them finding a bipartisan deal eventually, but I'm keeping an eye on it anyway 
And hey, maybe we can even use this as a chance to talk about how we support our agents who are on the frontlines, especially those from immigrant communities 
And to think that there are people being hurt because of it... ICE deportation efforts, mask-wearing policies, it's all just getting so out of hand 
. We need stability and support for our people, not more drama in Congress 
. Fingers crossed that Schumer and the Republicans can put aside their differences and get something done soon 
. i mean, come on, can't we just have a civil conversation about how to treat our federal agents without making it all about drama and power struggles? 
... And the timing is bad too - lots of people are counting on this funding to keep things going 
It's not just DHS, what about ICE too? I don't think we should be deporting people based on where they're from or their immigration status 
... I mean, not because it's a disaster or anything, but just thinking about all the ppl who'll be affected by the uncertainty 
. Another government shutdown looming because people can't agree on how to treat federal agents who do crazy stuff like that. I mean, come on, an end to mask-wearing by federal agents is a good start 
. With all the cash DHS is getting, I'd expect them to be able to make some concessions already 
. It's just so stressful thinking about this stuff