Shutdown Looms as Democrats Reject Homeland Security Bill Changes
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries informed House Speaker Mike Johnson that Republicans cannot rely on Democratic support to pass a government funding bill extending operations through the end of September. The statement followed a recent call between the two officials.
Jeffries, D-N.Y., noted he had exchanged messages with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson but confirmed no direct communication with the White House. He emphasized that “the Trump administration understands that the only group of people that speak for House Democrats are House Democrats.”
The Senate approved a government funding measure on Friday that includes a temporary extension for Homeland Security resources, providing Congress with two weeks to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids nationwide. This decision followed President Donald Trump’s securing of a spending agreement with Senate Democrats Thursday after the deaths of two protesters during encounters with federal agents in Minneapolis.
Democrats have stipulated they will not support the larger funding bill unless Congress enacts legislation requiring unmasking of agents, issuing more warrants, and empowering local authorities to investigate incidents related to immigration operations. The Senate-passed measure cleared 71 votes to 29 and is now being sent to the House, which resumes sessions on Monday. This timeline risks a partial government shutdown over the weekend until the bill secures approval in the House chamber.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed anticipation for a Monday evening vote but acknowledged uncertainty regarding sufficient support for the package. Johnson’s conservative allies have signaled opposition to proposed limitations on Homeland Security funds, creating dependency on Democratic votes that also have concerns about funding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement without immediate restraints.
Jeffries stressed that any modifications to the Homeland Security bill must be “meaningful and transformative.” Without such changes, he warned Republicans would face another government shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated the two parties will “sit down in good faith” but cautioned that meaningful progress would be “really, really hard,” especially with limited time. “We’ll stay hopeful, but there are some pretty significant differences of opinion,” Thune added.
By Solange Reyner | Saturday, 31 January 2026 06:19 PM EST
