Republicans Defect as Senate Funding Vote Fails, Making Shutdown Likely

Eight Senate Republicans joined Democrats in blocking a six-bill funding package Thursday, greatly increasing the probability of a partial government shutdown.

The Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to end debate on a package that would fund the State Department and financial regulators, as well as agencies overseeing homeland security, war, education, labor, health, and housing.

All Senate Democrats opposed ending debate on the bill, as leaders demanded restraints on federal immigration enforcement.

Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody of Florida, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Ted Budd of North Carolina all voted against ending debate.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., voted “no” in order to make a motion to reconsider.

Scott, Johnson, Lee, and Paul have criticized earmarks in the package. Scott has called it a “horrible spending bill.”

Passage would have approved the federal government’s discretionary funding for fiscal year 2026. The government’s spending authority for these areas expires at midnight on Jan. 30.

On Wednesday, Schumer and leading Democrats demanded a separate vote on the homeland security funding bill while pledging support for the remaining five bills funding other federal agencies.

Leading Democrats had previously granted their blessing to the homeland security bill, which was written by a bicameral, bipartisan group. However, they have rescinded their support since the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis during an interaction with federal officers.

Schumer also requested negotiations to insert new policies into the homeland security bill, such as requirements that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers obtain warrants for deportations and show their faces.

On Thursday morning, Politico and The Hill, citing anonymous sources, reported that Democrats were in negotiations with the White House about averting a shutdown.

Schumer’s office did not immediately respond to The Daily Signal’s request for confirmation of the negotiations.

Thune said Wednesday morning that, instead of seeking amendments to the homeland security bill passed by the House, Democrats should negotiate with the White House.

“I think right now the conversation should be between the White House and Democrats,” Thune said.

“If there’s a way that the Democrats have things that they want, the White House could accommodate short of modifying the bill, that’s the best way to do what we need to do here, which is to make sure the government is funded.”

When asked to confirm or deny the reporting of negotiations, a White House official told The Daily Signal, “President [Donald] Trump has been consistent—he wants the government to remain open, and the administration has been working with both parties to ensure the American people don’t have to endure another shutdown. A shutdown would risk disaster response funding and more vital resources for the American people.”

After the vote, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., argued his decision to vote against cloture was consistent with his principle of never shutting down the government, saying Thursday’s defections were “part of a conversation.”

Fetterman said he believes “most people want to see” a deal involving a five-bill spending package and a funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security.

Asked by The Daily Signal if he thought Congress could reach a deal in 24 hours, Fetterman replied, “Geez, I mean, this is the Senate. Are you crazy? I mean, I would love that, but that would be a new experience for my three years here when something normal could happen.”

The post Republicans Defect as Senate Funding Vote Fails, Making Shutdown Likely appeared first on The Daily Signal.