Senate blocks major funding bill as last-minute talks continue to avert government shutdown

The U.S. Senate blocked a massive spending package Thursday, setting off intense, last-minute negotiations to avoid a partial government shutdown expected at the end of the week.

In a 45–55 procedural vote, all Democrats joined by seven conservatives prevented the six-bill funding package from advancing. Democrats are pushing to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security from the rest of the legislation so ICE policies can be renegotiated following the fatal encounter between federal agents and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune voted “no” in order to preserve the option of bringing the bill back for another vote.

If lawmakers cannot reach unanimous consent to split DHS funding from the broader package, several major agencies could see their funding lapse. Those include the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

Negotiators from both parties and the White House signaled Thursday morning that they were moving closer to a deal. One proposal under discussion would fund most agencies through the end of September while temporarily extending DHS funding, allowing continued negotiations over immigration enforcement policies.

Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer outlined his caucus’ demands, which include tighter rules on warrants, an end to roving ICE patrols, a formal code of conduct aligned with local law enforcement standards, and requirements for agents to remove masks and wear body cameras.

Thune expressed cautious optimism ahead of the vote, saying talks were progressing and that he hoped a compromise could generate enough support to pass.

Even if a partial shutdown occurs and DHS funding is delayed, ICE operations would continue using money previously approved through President Donald Trump’s domestic policy package passed last summer.

Any agreement reached in the Senate would still need approval in the House, where narrow margins could delay final passage until early next week.

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