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Snapshot 7:Thu, Jan 29, 2026 10:07:31 PM GMT last edited by JoseMoura

Senate Blocks Funding Package, Trump Says Deal to Avert Shutdown Is Close

Senate Blocks Funding Package, Trump Says Deal to Avert Shutdown Is Close

Above: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 28, 2026. Image credit: *** GETTY *** Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Democrats are threatening another government shutdown after dragging the country through a 43-day standoff last year over Obamacare subsidies. Now, they're using recentthe lawfatal enforcementshooting incidentsof Alex Pretti in Minnesota as a pretext to block funding, refusing to honor a fully negotiated deal they requested and received. RepublicansSenate already passed the spending bills through the House, but Democrats won'tare provide the votes needed to break a filibuster, holding vital military and disaster response funding hostage over politics.

Republicans are finally bending to Democratic pressure after federal officers shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, recognizingas it would be untenable to hold Defense Department funding hostage. 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.


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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