Republicans In Crunch Time
Senate Republicans are working urgently to pass a government funding package before a Friday deadline, as Democrats threaten to block the legislation over disputes tied to immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
If Congress fails to act, large portions of the federal government could partially shut down early Saturday. Funding for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and several other agencies is set to expire.
The standoff intensified following a fatal shooting involving a Border Patrol agent during a federal operation in Minneapolis over the weekend. The incident has prompted renewed criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who are demanding changes to how immigration enforcement is conducted in major cities.
Republicans say time is running short and warn that delaying the funding package would disrupt essential government services. They have also signaled that President Trump may consider limited executive actions aimed at easing tensions, but no agreement has yet been reached.
The shutdown risk grew Monday after Senate Republicans rejected a Democratic proposal to remove Homeland Security funding from a six-bill appropriations package already approved by the House.
The House-passed legislation includes approximately $10 billion in additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That funding is separate from the $76 billion already allocated to the agency over four years under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Trump signed into law last year.
Republican senators argue the Homeland Security portion of the bill directly addresses accountability concerns. They note the legislation includes funding for body cameras, officer training, internal oversight, and de-escalation programs.
Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, said discussions with Democrats are ongoing. She emphasized that the goal is to pass the full funding package without removing key national security provisions.
Britt also pointed out that the bill would actually spend less on immigration enforcement than a temporary funding extension, while still improving transparency and oversight.
The White House has reportedly begun outreach to Minnesota officials in an effort to reduce tensions. Administration officials are also reviewing current federal deployments in the region as the investigation continues.
Despite these efforts, Senate Democrats say the proposals offered so far do not meet their demands. Democratic leaders are seeking broader policy changes, including new restrictions on enforcement procedures and additional legal requirements for officers.
Senate Democratic leadership has stated they are willing to fast-track funding for other government agencies if Homeland Security funding is removed from the package.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins said she hopes lawmakers can avoid a shutdown, calling it harmful to both the economy and the public. The Senate is expected to hold its first procedural vote on the funding package Thursday.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in both chambers are calling for a full review of the Minneapolis incident while urging restraint and calm. Several have emphasized the importance of protecting both public safety and federal personnel.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer suggested federal law enforcement resources could be reassigned to jurisdictions that cooperate with immigration enforcement efforts.
Senator Ted Cruz also urged leaders to lower tensions, stressing the importance of due process and careful review in all law enforcement matters.
Senator Rand Paul has requested testimony from senior immigration officials and highlighted the substantial funding already approved for border security under existing law.
With the deadline approaching, lawmakers face a narrow window to reach a compromise. Failure to do so would result in a partial government shutdown impacting millions of Americans.
