Washington, D.C. —
As the U.S. government approached a funding deadline that could have triggered a shutdown, President Donald Trump endorsed a bipartisan spending deal on Thursday, January 29, 2026, negotiated by Senate Republicans and Democrats aimed at keeping most federal operations funded and avoiding a disruption in services. 

The agreement comes amid heightened political tensions, notably over immigration enforcement practices and recent fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis, which have intensified public and legislative scrutiny. 

Under the emerging deal, lawmakers agreed to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)from the broader spending package and extend DHS funding at its current level for two additional weeks. This continuing resolution provides temporary breathing room for further negotiations on immigration enforcement policy, including proposed reforms to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. 

Trump took to his social media platform to state that “Republicans and Democrats have come together to get the vast majority of the government funded until September,” expressing hope that members of both parties would back the measure in what he described as a “much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ Vote.”

Bipartisan Support and Ongoing Debate

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic lawmakers agreed to the arrangement after blocking an earlier, broader funding bill due to concerns over the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Their negotiations focused on separating DHS funding to allow the rest of the government to stay open while giving Congress time to continue debating necessary restrictions and oversight measures. 

The funding package would cover most federal agencies, including defense, health, education, and transportation, while the DHS extension specifically provides security and border operations continued support while negotiations proceed. 

Shutdown Still a Possibility

Although the deal has backing from senior figures in both parties, challenges remain. The House of Representatives is not in session until Monday, and it remains unclear whether the agreement can be quickly passed there before the current deadline. Some lawmakers have expressed opposition to splitting DHS funding from the larger package, which could slow final approval. 

Trump himself acknowledged that a shutdown “could happen,” underscoring persistent uncertainty. 

Public Backdrop and Political Tension

The push for this compromise is occurring against a backdrop of public outcry over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and two high-profile deaths of protesters in Minneapolis, factors that influenced Democratic demands and negotiations on DHS policy. 

The deal represents a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation in a deeply polarized era, but it also reflects the ongoing struggle to reconcile competing priorities — from funding essential services to reforming controversial federal enforcement practices.

SOURCES: Yahoo News, Shy News, EuronewsAP News, Reuters