Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, followed through on their threat to block a massive government funding package — and in a surprising twist, seven Republican senators broke ranks to help derail the legislation.
The package in question bundled six annual appropriations bills, covering major departments including the Pentagon, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats have insisted that the DHS portion — particularly funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — be separated from the larger bill, arguing it needs reforms before it can move forward.
While Senate Republican leadership pushed to advance the full package, seven GOP senators voted against moving it forward, dealing the measure a major blow:
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Ted Budd (R‑N.C.)
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Ron Johnson (R‑Wis.)
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Mike Lee (R‑Utah)
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Rand Paul (R‑Ky.)
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Ashley Moody (R‑Fla.)
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Rick Scott (R‑Fla.)
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Tommy Tuberville (R‑Ala.)
That opposition, combined with unified Democratic resistance, kept the spending bill from getting the votes needed to proceed. Democrats have said they would back the other five appropriations bills if the Senate would split the DHS funding off for separate consideration.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑S.D.) had hoped discussions between Republicans, Democrats, and the White House would produce enough support, but the procedural vote fell short. GOP leaders and the White House say they are continuing negotiations to find a path forward short of a shutdown.
A government shutdown could begin as early as when current funding expires, since the House is out of session and cannot take up revised legislation until it reconvenes next week.
President Trump affirmed his commitment to keeping the government open and said administration officials were working with lawmakers across the aisle to reach an agreement.
