Senate Passes Trump-Backed Budget Deal, Heads to House for Weekend Vote
Senate Passes Trump-Backed Budget Deal, Heads to House for Weekend Vote
Senate approves a funding plan to avert a full shutdown and sends it to the House as a weekend deadline looms, with immigration debates on the table.
The Senate voted Friday 71-29 to fund most of the government through the end of September, carving out a two-week extension for Homeland Security funding to give lawmakers time to debate new limits on federal immigration raids across the country.
The deal comes after President Donald Trump pressed for a bipartisan approach in the wake of protests and calls for accountability following the killings of two Minneapolis protesters by federal agents. Democrats said they would not back the larger package unless Congress considers legislation to unmask agents, require warrants, and allow local authorities to help investigate incidents.
With the House not back until Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson faces a delicate path: his right flank has signaled opposition to limits on Homeland Security funds, leaving him reliant on Democrats who have objections to funding immigration enforcement without immediate restraints. The House could vote Monday evening, but the level of backing remains unclear.
Analysts say the budget deal is a temporary fix that could avert a full shutdown over the weekend, but a longer-term package will require compromises on immigration enforcement and spending. The deadline looms, and leaders are urging a vote as soon as possible.
Overall, the episode highlights a deeply divided Congress grappling with urgent government needs and political demands on immigration policy, a scenario that has observers hopeful for resolution but wary of more standoffs.
