Senate Nears Bipartisan Deal to Avoid Government Shutdown

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:57:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senate leaders are working hard to finalize a bipartisan spending deal that would prevent a partial government shutdown. Democrats demand new restrictions on immigration enforcement, citing recent tragedies.

As the midnight deadline approaches, Senate leaders are in a race against time to solidify a bipartisan agreement to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. Democrats are pressing for tighter controls on immigration enforcement by ICE, particularly following recent protest-related deaths. A short-term deal may fund the Homeland Security Department separately, allowing further negotiations to proceed. Senate leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, are hopeful for a resolution. President Trump is advocating for a bipartisan vote, emphasizing the urgency to keep the government running.

Senate leaders are racing to finalize a bipartisan spending deal that could prevent a partial government shutdown at midnight on Friday. Recent demands from Democrats for new immigration enforcement restrictions are complicating negotiations.

The agreement aims to fund the Homeland Security Department separately while allowing further discussions about curbing the activities of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). President Trump has urged Congress to come together and pass the needed legislation, emphasizing the importance of a bipartisan vote.

Both Republican and Democratic leaders have expressed a commitment to conclude negotiations; however, lingering disagreements remain between parties about the terms of the immigration policy and funding allocations. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer highlighted the urgency for reforms, calling the current enforcement practices state-sanctioned thuggery. Meanwhile, the possibility of a government shutdown looms as representatives from both sides work to address the legal frameworks surrounding immigration raids.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned that both parties are facing obstacles but remain hopeful for a resolution. The urgency increases with recent protests and their tragic implications, leading to increased scrutiny of immigration practices. If a deal is not reached, it risks pushing the country into another government shutdown similar to past incidents.