Shutdown threat looms as Senate Democrats pledge to block funding after Minneapolis shooting

January 26, 2026

TL;DR

Senate Democrats are opposing a government funding package due to the inclusion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bill.
The opposition is a reaction to the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents.
The deadline for funding the government is Friday, January 30th.
Six of the twelve appropriations bills have already been passed and signed into law.
Democrats require a 60-vote threshold to advance the remaining funding measures, making their support crucial.
Some senators, including Angus King, suggest separating the DHS bill from the other five funding measures.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated Democrats would support advancing the other five bills while renegotiating the DHS bill.
Senate Republicans have indicated they plan to move forward with the package as originally planned.
The DHS bill faced similar opposition in the House due to insufficient reforms to ICE.
Several senators, both Democrat and Republican, have called for investigations into the shooting incident.
A winter storm in Washington is further shortening the timeline to avert a shutdown.
A partial shutdown would affect agencies and programs not covered by the already passed appropriations bills.

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