Congress Ends Shutdown With $1.2 Trillion Deal—But Leaves Homeland Security on the Brink

Bipartisan vote funds most federal agencies through September, while a looming Feb. 13 deadline sets up a high-stakes showdown over immigration enforcement and DHS oversight.

Washington moved swiftly Tuesday to end the federal government’s second shutdown in four months, approving a sweeping $1.2 trillion spending package that restores funding to nearly all agencies through the end of the fiscal year. The legislation, which passed the House 217–214 with bipartisan support, now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature, expected within hours.

Yet the deal’s most consequential fight lies ahead. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and immigration enforcement arms—was extended only through next week, setting the stage for another potential lapse unless Congress reaches agreement by Feb. 13.

Democrats are withholding support for longer-term DHS funding, demanding new constraints on immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings last month of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota involving federal agents. The impasse centers on curbing the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agencies Democrats say have operated with insufficient oversight.

“We have a list that we want done, and we aren’t settling for half-measures,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, warning that Republican leaders John Thune and Mike Johnson would have to explain any new shutdown to voters if talks fail.

The broader package completes more than 95% of annual federal funding, securing budgets for the Pentagon and domestic agencies through September. “Funding the government is not an optional exercise,” said House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, emphasizing Congress’s core responsibility.

Still, the vote exposed deep fissures: only 21 Democrats supported final passage, underscoring the difficulty leaders face in forging a DHS compromise. Some lawmakers used stark language to signal the stakes. Rep. Jim McGovern said he would oppose additional funding absent reforms, accusing DHS leadership of undermining constitutional norms.

To unify strategy ahead of negotiations, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is set to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. House Democrats insist they must be at the center of talks, arguing they are closest to constituent backlash over immigration enforcement. “We are the ones that are closest to the anger and the frustration,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

For now, the shutdown has ended. But with DHS funding hanging by a thread—and immigration policy once again at the heart of budget brinkmanship—Congress has merely postponed the next crisis.

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-- By James W. Thomas and Michael R.Thomas

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