Washington — A partial government shutdown is increasingly likely this week as Senate Democrats have signaled opposition to a key funding package. This impasse follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, an event that has intensified scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
For weeks, lawmakers have been working to pass individual funding measures before the current government funding expires on Friday, January 30. Six of the twelve required appropriations bills have already been signed into law. The Senate was scheduled to consider the remaining six bills this week, which had previously passed the House.
Funding Package at Issue
The six bills currently stalled in the Senate include funding for critical departments such as Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State, Treasury, and crucially, the Department of Homeland Security. It is the inclusion of DHS funding that is now creating a significant obstacle.
Following the shooting of Alex Pretti, Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, announced Saturday they would not support the package if it includes funding for DHS. With 53 Republicans in the Senate, Democratic support is essential to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance the legislation.
Even Senator Angus King of Maine, who previously worked across the aisle to end a lengthy government shutdown, stated Sunday he would not vote for a package including DHS funding, stating, “I hate shutdowns,” but adding, “I can’t vote for a bill that includes ICE funding under these circumstances.”
King suggested a potential solution: separating the DHS bill from the others. “If those bills pass, 96% of the federal government is funded,” he said. “Take up DHS by itself, let’s have an honest negotiation, put some guardrails on what’s going on, some accountability, and that would solve this problem.”
Potential Paths Forward
Schumer echoed this sentiment, stating Sunday that Senate Republicans should advance the other five funding bills while working to revise the DHS bill. On Monday, Schumer further emphasized the responsibility lies with Senate GOP leaders to avoid a shutdown.
However, it remains unclear whether Republicans will agree to separate the DHS bill, a move that would require unanimous consent. Any changes would also need approval from the House, which is currently in recess.
The DHS bill faced opposition in the House last week, with many Democrats seeking more extensive reforms to ICE following the shooting in Minneapolis. While the measure ultimately passed the House with support from seven Democrats, it remains a point of contention.
Several Senate Republicans have also called for investigations into the shooting, including Senators Bill Cassidy, Thom Tillis, Lisa Murkowski, Pete Ricketts, Dave McCormick, and Jon Husted.
Complicating matters further, a winter storm in Washington has delayed the Senate’s return, shortening the already tight timeline to reach a funding agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the Senate fails to pass a funding bill?
Should senators be unable to approve additional funding, agencies and programs would begin to shut down after January 30.
Which parts of the government have already been funded?
Funding for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the FDA, and operations for the legislative branch were previously secured.
What is the role of the Department of Homeland Security in this debate?
The inclusion of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and Border Patrol, in the current package is the primary point of contention, with Senate Democrats seeking further reforms following the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Given the current impasse and the approaching deadline, what steps might lawmakers take to avert a government shutdown?
