Senate blocks massive funding bill, with critical talks underway to avoid government shutdown

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Source: CNN Politics

PUBLISHED Jan 29, 2026, 12:22 PM ET


Bipartisan senators blocked a massive spending bill Thursday, as eleventh-hour talks continue to avoid a costly partial government shutdown that looms at the week’s end.

All Democrats, who are pushing to force changes to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies in the wake of Alex Pretti’s fatal encounter with federal agents in Minneapolis, voted not to advance the six-bill funding package.

Instead, they are demanding that Republicans and the White House agree to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which houses ICE, from the rest of the package so it can be renegotiated.

Seven conservatives joined Democrats in keeping the package from moving forward in a 45-55 vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune changed his vote to “no,” to be able to bring the package up for a later vote.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/29/politics/senate-funding-bill-vote-government-shutdown-ice