US Senate Approves Spending Package Amid Government Shutdown

(MENAFN) The US Senate passed a government spending package on Friday, just ahead of a deadline that led to a temporary government shutdown at midnight. Although the Senate approved the legislation by a 71 29 vote, it must still be passed by the House of Representatives, which is not expected to return to Washington until Monday.

The funding measure includes five long-term appropriations bills and a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allow further negotiations on immigration enforcement.

The vote comes amid heightened concern after federal agents in Minnesota fatally shot Alex Pretti, marking the second death caused by immigration enforcement officers in the state this month. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he and other Democrats would not support the package unless the DHS funding provision was removed.

If the House approves the measure early next week, any disruption from the shutdown is expected to be minimal. Lawmakers in Washington have expressed little interest in repeating a prolonged closure like the 43-day shutdown that occurred late last year.

Following the Senate vote, Schumer emphasized the need for reforms, stating: "strong, common-sense legislation that reins in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)" would be required for Democrats to back long-term DHS funding. He added, "If our colleagues are not willing to enact real change, they should not expect Democratic votes."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats would "evaluate the spending legislation passed by the Senate on its merits and then decide how to proceed legislatively."

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