Senate blocks massive funding bill, with critical talks underway to avoid government shutdown
CNN5 days
Senate Blocks Funding Package, Trump Says Deal to Avert Shutdown Is Close
Are Democrats blocking vital funding over politics or are Republicans finally accepting common-sense reforms?
Above: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 28, 2026. Image credit: Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Democrats are threatening another government shutdown after dragging the country through a 43-day standoff last year. Now, they're using the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota as a pretext to block funding, refusing to honor a fully negotiated deal they requested and received. Senate Democrats are holding vital military and disaster response funding hostage over politics.
Democratic narrative
Republicans are finally bending to pressure after federal officers shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, as Senate Democrats are united behind common-sense reforms like ending roving patrols, requiring proper warrants and implementing body cameras for federal agents. Even the Trump White House understands public sentiment is overwhelmingly against ICE being unleashed on the American public.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 58% chance that the U.S. government will enter a shutdown before Feb. 1, 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Public Figures
Political split
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0