When is the vote in the Senate today? The deadline looms as politicians clash over ICE funding

The US Senate is back in session and the clock is ticking towards another possible government shutdown. Lawmakers have just a few days to act before funding runs out, but bitter disputes over immigration enforcement have complicated negotiations. A deadly shooting in Minnesota has intensified Democratic opposition and pushed the threat of a shutdown closer to reality.

With the January 31 deadline looming, the timing of today’s Senate vote has become a central issue.

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The US Senate returned to session on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. ET, with lawmakers under intense pressure to act. Without the Senate passing key spending bills by midnight on Friday, January 30, a partial government shutdown would begin early Saturday morning, January 31.

At the heart of the impasse is not just timing, but a widening political divide over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democrats opposed the legislation, which includes funding for immigration and customs enforcement, following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota at the hands of federal officers, according to a North Jersey report.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said live from the Senate floor Wednesday that he would vote “no” on any bill that funds ICE in the 2026 budget unless the agency is “sustained and overhauled.” Schumer accused President Donald Trump of having “zero responsibility” for the death and blamed the White House and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded by calling for a full investigation into Pretti’s death, while noting that “productive conversations” between Republicans and Democrats were continuing. Despite those discussions, Schumer has not backed down on the threat to freeze financial accounts, leaving the possibility of a government shutdown firmly on the table, according to the North Jersey report.READ ALSO: Quote of the day by Bruce Lee: “Mistakes are always forgiven…” – Inspirational quotes from a famous martial artist

Is the Senate voting on the deal today?

A Senate vote is possible today, Thursday, Jan. 29, after lawmakers return to session at 10:30 a.m. ET. Thune said Senate Republicans plan to move forward with legislation this week to prevent a partial government shutdown.

Passage of the bills, however, will require the support of Democrats. Although Republicans control the Senate 53-47, 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster. Without Democratic support, legislation cannot proceed regardless of timing.

Schumer and Senate Democrats have made it clear they will oppose any spending package that includes DHS funding tied to ICE and the Border Patrol unless reforms are made. On the Senate floor, he reiterated that no Democrats would vote for the DHS funding bill that is part of the current spending package until changes are agreed upon, according to the North Jersey report.

What time is the next vote in the Senate expected?

While no exact time has been confirmed, any Senate vote today would take place after the chamber reconvenes at 10:30 a.m. ET. Thune planned a level strike to fund key federal departments and avoid a shutdown.

Still, Democratic demands to defund DHS in exchange for their votes made the outcome uncertain. With the deadline set for midnight on Friday 30 January, time to compromise is running out.

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Why is ICE funding delaying the vote?

The funding fight intensified after the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minnesota man shot and killed by Border Patrol agents. That death, along with the earlier killing of Renee Good, sparked outrage among Senate Democrats and prompted calls for changes in immigration enforcement.

Schumer has publicly blamed President Trump and Kristi Noem for the shootings, linking the fight over DHS funding directly to those deaths. As Senate Democrats move toward impeachment of Noem, their opposition to ICE funding has only hardened, complicating negotiations aimed at keeping the government open, the North Jersey report said.

Although Trump has recently backed away from some immigration actions in Minnesota, the shift has not been enough to convince Democrats to drop their opposition.

What happens if there is no vote by Friday?

If the Senate does not pass the spending bills by midnight on Friday, January 30, a partial government shutdown would begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Key federal departments, including the Pentagon, would be affected.

The vote under discussion does not involve the entire 2026 budget. Instead, lawmakers are considering six of 12 annual expenditures for the current budget year. These include funding for DHS, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State and Treasury.

How can I watch the Senate vote live?

The proceedings and voting of the Senate can be watched live on the official website of the Senate. Live coverage is also available on C-SPAN via cable TV and several streaming platforms, allowing viewers to follow developments in real time, according to the North Jersey report.

When was the last government shutdown?

The most recent shutdown was the longest in U.S. history, running from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. That shutdown ended only after lawmakers approved temporary funding measures extending government operations until January 30, 2026, the same deadline now driving today’s Senate action.

Frequently asked questions

What time did the Senate return today?
The Senate returned to session on Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Is today’s vote on the full 2026 budget?
No. The vote includes six spending bills for the current fiscal year.