Congress approved a major spending package Tuesday afternoon that funds most federal agencies through September, ending the second government shutdown in four months.
The bill keeps the government running but leaves one major issue unresolved: funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers only extended DHS funding through next week, setting up another deadline as Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided over immigration enforcement.
Democrats say they will not support longer-term DHS funding unless Republicans agree to limit the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents. The dispute intensified after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot last month in Minnesota during encounters involving federal immigration authorities.
The House passed the package in a narrow 217–214 bipartisan vote. President Donald Trump is expected to quickly sign the bill, officially ending the partial shutdown that began early Saturday after the Senate sent the revised legislation back to the House.
If Congress fails to reach a deal by the Feb. 13 deadline, DHS—which includes TSA, FEMA and other key agencies—could face another shutdown or a short-term funding extension.
Democratic leaders warned they are prepared to force another funding lapse if Republicans refuse to negotiate changes. “We have a list of reforms we want, and we are not accepting half-measures,” Rep. Pete Aguilar of California told reporters.
Republican leaders said they will rely on Trump to lead negotiations. “We’ll let the president do what he does best—negotiate,” said Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, praising Trump’s focus on immigration enforcement.
With passage of the roughly $1.2 trillion package, Congress has now approved more than 95 percent of the funding needed to operate the federal government this year. All agencies except DHS will receive funding through the end of the fiscal year.
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole called the bill a necessary step. “Funding the government is not optional,” he said. “It’s the most basic duty we have in Congress.”
Only 21 House Democrats voted in favor of the bill, underscoring the difficulty leaders face as negotiations over DHS funding intensify. Democratic leaders in both chambers are expected to meet this week to coordinate their strategy as talks with Republicans continue.
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