Summary
The U.S. government risks a partial shutdown as Senate Democrats oppose a spending package that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has stated that the budget will not pass unless funding for ICE is removed. The Senate has until January 30 to approve the budget to avoid the shutdown.
Key Facts
- A partial government shutdown may occur if the Senate doesn't approve the budget by January 30.
- Senate Democrats oppose a $1.2 trillion spending package that includes $10 billion for ICE.
- The budget needs 60 votes to pass in the Senate; there are currently 53 Republicans, so at least seven Democrats are needed.
- Recent shootings involving ICE have increased opposition to its funding.
- House approval is required to strip DHS funding from the budget, but House members are on recess until February 2.
- The last U.S. government shutdown lasted from October 1 to November 12, 2025.
- ICE and other agencies could still operate during a partial shutdown due to the GOP's "One Big Beautiful" bill.
- Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, want the DHS budget rewritten before they agree to pass it.
