lawmakers are working to not help Trump but instead derail him.
Senate Democrats are beginning to fracture, creating new obstacles for President Donald Trump and increasing the risk of another costly government shutdown.
The dispute centers on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), internal Democratic demands to curb presidential authority, and lingering disagreements over controversial provisions tied to immigration enforcement. Together, these issues are threatening to derail negotiations just as Congress tries to avoid another shutdown crisis.
Leaders from both parties say they want to prevent a shutdown, particularly after lawmakers only recently emerged from the longest government closure in U.S. history. While Republicans and Democrats have different motivations, leadership on both sides currently agrees that keeping the government open is the safest option.
However, cracks are forming beneath the surface. Rank-and-file senators—not party leadership—are now driving the debate, pushing Washington closer to another funding showdown.
Much of the tension surrounds the DHS funding bill. Democratic negotiators have claimed the legislation includes concessions designed to limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill passed the House earlier this week, but Democratic support there was lukewarm at best.
Only seven House Democrats broke with their party to support the measure, signaling major challenges ahead for Senate leadership. Those concerns deepened when Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia announced he would oppose the broader funding package entirely.
Kaine argued that the bill does not go far enough in restricting executive authority. He called for additional limits related to military powers, protections for federal employees, and provisions affecting DHS and ICE operations.
Kaine’s opposition is particularly notable given his past willingness to cross party lines to reopen the government during previous shutdowns.
According to sources familiar with Senate discussions, as many as ten Democrats may ultimately refuse to support the funding package—or any Republican-backed spending bills—complicating efforts to reach the 60 votes required to advance legislation.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a senior Democrat involved in the negotiations, has also announced his opposition to the DHS portion of the bill. Murphy argued that the legislation does not sufficiently restrain DHS leadership or the Trump administration’s enforcement priorities.
Republicans strongly disagree with that assessment. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, emphasized that the bill contains no partisan “poison pills” and reflects a balanced compromise.
She urged Senate Democrats not to further politicize the funding process, warning that continued delays could have serious consequences for national security and government operations.
Despite the growing division, leadership on both sides remains hopeful that the broader spending package—which includes defense funding—will be enough to prevent lawmakers from triggering another shutdown.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the bill does not fully reflect Democratic priorities but said it represents a better outcome than another temporary funding measure.
Murray argued that the compromise allows Congress to lock in key funding provisions that would be lost under a short-term continuing resolution, which she said would only prolong uncertainty.
As negotiations continue, Senate Democrats’ internal divisions are emerging as a major roadblock—placing President Trump’s agenda and the stability of government funding squarely at risk.
