The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to advance a government funding package that included money for the Department of Homeland Security, heightening the risk of a partial federal government shutdown as the funding deadline approaches.
The procedural vote to move the bill forward fell 55–45, short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster. Senate Democrats unanimously opposed the measure, joined by several Republicans, blocking consideration of the package on the Senate floor.
Democrats said they could not support the legislation because it provided funding for DHS without addressing concerns about immigration enforcement practices, particularly those carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Party leaders have called for increased oversight, including body-worn cameras for agents, clearer use-of-force standards and limits on the use of face coverings during enforcement operations.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers should separate DHS funding from the broader spending package to allow other federal agencies to remain open while negotiations continue.
Republicans accused Democrats of risking a shutdown to force policy concessions, arguing that DHS funding should proceed without conditions. DHS oversees border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response and cybersecurity.
After last week’s House of Representatives’ vote, the Senate looked poised to vote in favor sending the bill to the president’s desk for signature to avert a partial shutdown. However, the executiion-style killing of VA intensive care unit nurse Alex Pettri has brought more scrunity to the tacts used by federal immigration officers.
Without congressional action, funding for several federal agencies could lapse when current spending authority expires Friday night. Essential services would continue, but hundreds of thousands of federal workers could be furloughed or required to work without pay.
The vote comes amid heightened scrutiny of DHS enforcement following recent high-profile incidents involving federal immigration agents, which have intensified calls for accountability from civil rights advocates and tribal leaders concerned about enforcement activity affecting Native communities.
Senate leaders said talks would continue, and another vote could be scheduled if an agreement is reached before the deadline.