The fallout from last autumn’s historic government shutdown continues to reverberate through the Capitol this Friday. The Senate approved, by a vote of 71 to 29, an agreement between Democrats and Republicans to approve six key spending packages totaling $1.2 trillion – representing roughly 75% of the federal government’s spending capacity. The agreement funds departments including Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Transportation, State, and agencies related to financial services.
The measure still requires approval from the House of Representatives, which will not convene until Monday, leading to a new, albeit partial and brief, government shutdown.
Tensions escalated earlier this week following the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, who was shot and killed last Saturday in Minneapolis by federal immigration enforcement agents. Democrats initially refused to approve the six spending packages, stating they would not support an increase in funding for the Department of Homeland Security, led by Kristi Noem, to $64 billion.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), whose agents have been deployed in Minnesota and are conducting raids targeting undocumented immigrants, with tactics described as excessive force.
Some Republicans joined Democrats in expressing reservations during the week. Negotiations intensified, ultimately requiring intervention from the White House. Democrats sought to include immigration reform requiring federal agents to wear body cameras, clearly identify themselves, and prohibiting the use of masks, as well as requiring warrants to access private property.
The impasse was broken Thursday following a conversation between Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and President Donald Trump. The agreement involves approving funding for five of the six spending packages to fund major federal agencies through September, and a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security. This gives Democrats and Republicans 15 days to reform immigration law and address the concerns of the Democratic party.
However, the U.S. budgetary process is complex. Because the House of Representatives had already approved the six spending packages, any changes to the funding law must return to Congress for validation.
With the House unable to convene until Monday, a partial government shutdown is expected to begin at midnight, anticipated to last approximately 48 hours while Congress validates the Senate-approved changes.
While details of the agreement remain limited, it has coincided with a reported pullback of federal agents from Minnesota and a lessening of the Trump Administration’s campaign against immigration.
The partial government shutdown will affect agencies funded by the six spending bills currently stalled in Congress. Twelve other spending bills have already been approved and are fully funded.
While most lawmakers are confident that the budgetary issues will be resolved on Monday, some remain skeptical due to the reservations of some Republicans seeking concessions for the compromises made to Democrats in the Senate. The White House is reportedly pressuring the Republican caucus to minimize dissent. The House Rules Committee plans to meet Sunday to prepare for Monday’s vote, according to Efe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the current budget impasse?
The impasse stemmed from Democratic opposition to increased funding for the Department of Homeland Security, specifically ICE and the USBP, following the death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
What is included in the approved spending packages?
The approved packages provide funding for departments including Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Transportation, State, and agencies related to financial services, totaling $1.2 trillion.
When is the partial government shutdown expected to begin?
A partial government shutdown is expected to begin at midnight, as the House of Representatives is unable to convene until Monday to validate the Senate-approved changes.
As lawmakers navigate this complex situation, will the 15-day window for immigration reform prove sufficient to bridge the existing divides and deliver meaningful change?
