Topline
The White House is reportedly open to striking a deal with Democrats to keep the government open past the Saturday deadline, as the Senate prepares to vote on the spending package Thursday.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detain a young man while conducting federal enforcement operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States on January 27, 2026. (Photo by Madison Thorn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Anadolu via Getty Images
Key Facts
Senate Democrats have threatened to block the funding package in the wake of Alex Pretti’s death if Republicans don’t agree to reform the Department of Homeland Security.
The White House is attempting to strike a last-minute deal with Democrats to negotiate DHS funding separately from the rest of the spending package, CNN and The New York Times reported late Wednesday.
The government would likely still partially shut down for several days if a deal is reached, however, as the House would also have to approve the new plan and is in recess until next week.
What To Watch For
The Senate is scheduled to vote Thursday whether to advance the legislation to avert a shutdown. At least seven Democrats need to vote in favor of the package to break the 60-vote filibuster threshold, assuming all 53 Republicans approve it.
Tangent
Senate Democrats released Wednesday a list of DHS reforms they want in exchange for agreeing to keep the government open. They want federal immigration agents to be prohibited from wearing masks, required to wear body cameras, adhere to the same use-of-force policies as local police departments, end roving patrols and have stricter standards for warrants.
Key Background
In addition to DHS, the legislation up for a vote Thursday would fund the departments of Defense, Labor, State, Transportation and Health and Human Services. The House has already approved the package. Funding will lapse for those agencies Saturday at midnight if lawmakers can’t come to an agreement.
Further Reading
Democrats Demand ICE Agents Remove Masks—Or Government Will Shut Down (Forbes)
Government Shutdown Could Hamstring IRS Amid Tax Season—But ICE Would Still Operate (Forbes)