Senate Democrats have reached a deal to advance a major package of spending bills, averting a partial government shutdown that was set to begin on Saturday. The deal, confirmed by the office of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, involves splitting a funding bill for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from other funding bills. DHS would be funded for two weeks at current levels.
The House of Representatives, currently out of session until Monday, must approve the revised package. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed opposition to breaking up the funding package but said, 'if it is broken up, we will have to move it as quickly as possible. We can’t have the government shut down.' He acknowledged a short shutdown might be inevitable due to the timing.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed the deal on Truth Social, urging bipartisan support. Democrats have refused to back DHS funding without reforms to federal agents involved in Trump’s mass deportation campaign, following the deaths of US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. They demand an end to mask-wearing by agents, a code of conduct, and independent investigations of violations.
Earlier on Thursday, a key vote to advance the package failed in the Senate, with all 47 Democrats and seven Republicans voting against. Senate Majority Leader John Thune voted no to allow future reconsideration. Schumer stated, 'Republicans in Congress cannot allow this violent status quo to continue. They must work with Democrats on legislation, real legislation, strong legislation to rein ICE in.'
Trump’s 'border czar', Tom Homan, acknowledged that improvements could be made in immigration enforcement but deferred to Congress for legislative changes. The deal aims to buy time for further talks on Democrats’ demands.
