Senate Averts Shutdown After Graham Lifts Hold on Funding Deal

But House Approval Remains Uncertain as Debate Continues Over Immigration Reforms

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:56pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a government building or office space, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of tension and unease surrounding the funding negotiations.As the clock ticks towards a potential government shutdown, the Capitol building stands in a state of uncertainty, its future hanging in the balance.Minneapolis Today

With just hours to go before a potential government shutdown, Senator Lindsey Graham unexpectedly lifted his hold on a crucial funding deal, allowing the Senate to advance the legislation. However, the situation remains precarious as the bill must now return to the House, where Democrats are demanding further reforms to the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters

This last-minute drama highlights the ongoing partisan tensions over immigration policy and the challenges of passing must-pass government funding bills. The fate of this deal could have significant implications for federal services and the ability of Congress to avert a shutdown.

The details

The Senate reached a compromise that would separate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill from a package of five other bills, securing the approval of all 100 senators to move forward. However, the legislation must now return to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that recalling lawmakers earlier might not be feasible. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also remained noncommittal, criticizing the Senate Republicans' stance and demanding reforms to DHS, including the requirement of judicial warrants for ICE actions and unmasking of ICE personnel.

  • On Friday, the Senate inched towards a funding solution after Graham, a Republican senator, surprisingly ended his holdout.
  • The Senate is expected to vote on the amendments that same evening.
  • The House is currently in recess until Monday, potentially causing a delay in final approval.

The players

Senator Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator who initially held up the funding deal but later lifted his hold, allowing the Senate to advance the legislation.

Senator John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader who supported Graham's conditions for lifting his hold.

Representative Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House, who indicated that recalling lawmakers earlier might not be feasible.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader, who has remained noncommittal on the spending agreement and is demanding reforms to the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“We must not compromise on our vision for DHS reform. We will not back down from our demand for judicial warrants and other crucial changes.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

“Senate Republicans were willing to use taxpayer money to 'brutalize' citizens and worsen the situation.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

What’s next

The Senate is expected to vote on the amendments that same evening, but the House's recess until Monday could cause a delay in final approval.

The takeaway

This last-minute drama highlights the ongoing partisan tensions over immigration policy and the challenges of passing must-pass government funding bills. The fate of this deal could have significant implications for federal services and the ability of Congress to avert a shutdown, as Democrats continue to demand reforms to the Department of Homeland Security.