Senate clears procedural hurdle
The Senate moved a three-bill, $174 billion spending package through its final procedural step on Thursday, setting the stage for a final vote later in the day. Lawmakers are racing against a Jan. 30 deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown, following the record-long closure just months ago.
The first vote was a crucial test of bipartisan cooperation. Senators overwhelmingly approved the package, signaling, at least temporarily, that Republicans and Democrats can work together despite ongoing political tensions.
What the package includes
The funding plan, already approved by the House last week, covers three areas:
- Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies
- Energy, Water Development, and related agencies
- Interior, Environment, and related agencies
If approved, these bills will bring the total sent to President Trump’s desk to six. However, the government still needs roughly a dozen bills to be fully funded.
DHS remains a sticking point
Department of Homeland Security funding is the most contentious piece. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said resolving DHS funding could require a short-term continuing resolution (CR) due to political divisions. Democrats want restrictions on ICE operations following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, while Republicans are unlikely to agree to those limits.
Democratic priorities protected
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the package for including key Democratic priorities. He noted that negotiators were able to block many of Trump’s proposed cuts and protect funding for programs in education, housing, and jobs. Schumer emphasized that while the process isn’t complete, the package is a step forward in keeping the government funded.
