Senate Passes Funding Bill, Government Shutdown Looms
The Senate approved a bill on Friday to fund most federal government operations until the end of September. However, a partial government shutdown seems inevitable, likely extending at least through the weekend.
The funding for approximately 78% of federal operations is set to expire at midnight on Saturday. This follows a deal between Senate Democrats and the White House aimed at preventing a shutdown.
This agreement involves separating the funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—responsible for federal law enforcement actions during the Trump administration— from a larger spending package that passed the House last week. The $1.2 trillion bill received a 71-29 vote in the Senate.
Yet, the House is in recess until Monday, leaving it unable to approve the Senate’s changes to the mini-bill package before the deadline.
The anticipated impact of this partial closure is expected to be minimal. Several agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Interior, Energy, Justice, and Commerce, are fully funded for the remainder of the fiscal year.
However, other departments such as Defense, Labor, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Education, and Housing are facing the funding cutoff, which follows a significant 43-day government shutdown from last fall.
Russell Vought, the White House Office of Management and Budget Director, advised federal employees to prepare for the impending shutdown. He indicated that affected agencies should execute plans for a smooth and orderly closure.
In light of recent events, including the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Preti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, senators are struggling to pass the House version of the spending bill.
Some lawmakers are insisting on restrictions for DHS without linking them to federal law enforcement practices in the funding bills. This deal, which has backing from Senate leaders and President Trump, includes a two-week funding extension for DHS while negotiations on ICE and Customs and Border Protection tactics continue. Other basic funding will last until the end of September.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that any new funding for DHS must incorporate provisions requiring ICE agents to conduct removals transparently, with body cameras and stricter rules regarding warrants.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) criticized the revised bill, labeling the bipartisan agreement as unnecessary. Graham voiced his dissatisfaction over not being included in discussions, indicating that he was left out of critical negotiations even though he is an influential senator.
Meanwhile, President Trump has urged Congress to avoid another prolonged shutdown. He expressed that the country could only be hindered by such a scenario, declaring that efforts are underway to ensure seamless funding for government operations.
