Republican Predicts Short Shutdown
A brief government shutdown now appears likely, according to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, after a major federal funding package failed to advance in the Senate late Thursday.
The setback occurred after Senate Democrats blocked the legislation, objecting to funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats said they could not support DHS funding following recent immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, which have drawn increased scrutiny after two fatal shootings involving federal authorities.
The vote fell short after eight Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing the procedural motion. If lawmakers do not act before the Friday evening deadline, parts of the federal government could temporarily shut down.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota initially supported the bill but later switched his vote to “no,” a common procedural move that allows leadership to bring the measure back for another vote if negotiations continue.
In a Fox News interview, McCarthy said Democrats currently hold a tactical advantage because of the tight deadline and their unified position, but he stressed that any shutdown would likely be limited in scope and duration.
Following the second fatal incident in Minneapolis, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for removing DHS funding from the broader spending package, which includes six separate appropriations bills covering most federal operations.
After discussions between the Trump administration and Senate Democrats, leaders reached a late-day agreement to separate DHS funding and advance a short-term stopgap measure. The proposal would keep DHS funded at current levels through February 13 while allowing the remaining spending bills to move forward.
Speaking before the agreement was finalized, McCarthy said passing the other five bills would fund nearly all federal operations and significantly reduce any disruption.
“If they move those five bills, about 96 percent of the government is funded,” McCarthy said. “Any shutdown would be short, and most people wouldn’t feel it because paychecks would already be processed.”
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also downplayed the potential impact, telling reporters that if a shutdown occurs, he expects it to be brief.
McCarthy credited President Trump’s direct involvement in negotiations with Senate Democrats, saying the White House has remained actively engaged in last-minute talks.
“This is where the president’s negotiating experience matters,” McCarthy said. “There’s still a chance for a late deal, but Democrats appear willing to delay Homeland Security funding a bit longer.”
