Senate Passes Consolidated Appropriations Act for Most of Government, Extends DHS Funding for Two Weeks Amid ICE Reform Debate
The Senate convened to consider H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. After a series of debates and votes on amendments, the Senate passed the bill, which provides full-year funding for five appropriations bills covering the Department of Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; National Security; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. A key development was the adoption of an amendment to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a continuing resolution until February 13, 2026, to allow for further negotiations on reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) procedures.
The passage of this appropriations package prevents a government shutdown for a significant portion of federal agencies and programs, ensuring continued operations and funding for national defense, healthcare, education, and other critical services. The temporary extension of DHS funding highlights ongoing, high-stakes policy disputes regarding immigration enforcement and civil liberties, setting the stage for intense negotiations over the coming weeks that could significantly alter ICE operations and accountability.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 7148Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 7148, as amended to include a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security, providing full-year funding for most federal government operations.
The case for
Proponents argued that the bill represented a significant bipartisan achievement, funding 95 percent of the government and preventing a shutdown. Senator Collins highlighted the fiscal responsibility of the bills, noting they spend less than a continuing resolution. Senator Murray emphasized that the package rejected devastating cuts proposed by President Trump, protected programs families rely on, and reasserted Congress' power of the purse against executive overreach. Senator McConnell underscored the importance of the Defense appropriation for national security. The temporary DHS CR was presented as a necessary step to allow for further negotiations on ICE reforms.
The case against
Opponents raised concerns about various aspects of the bill and its underlying policy. Senator Paul argued against funding for refugee welfare programs, citing concerns about fraud and the national debt. Senator Schmitt opposed funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, questioning its mission and accountability. Senator Lee criticized the inclusion of earmarks, calling them 'woke, wasteful, and unjustified' and contrary to Republican conference rules. Senator Sanders sought to drastically cut ICE funding and reverse Medicaid changes, arguing against the creation of a 'domestic army' and advocating for healthcare access. Senator Graham, while supporting the appropriations process, conditioned his support on securing votes for amendments addressing 'sanctuary cities' and accountability for federal investigations, arguing that the root causes of immigration problems were not being addressed.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, including a temporary continuing resolution for DHS, was passed by the Senate.
71-29
Amendments
- To eliminate funding for refugee and entrant assistance. (Mr. Paul) — Rejected [Yeas 32, Nays 67]
- To eliminate National Endowment for Democracy funding. (Mr. Schmitt) — Rejected
- To strike all earmarks. (Mr. Lee) — Rejected (Motion to table agreed to) [Yeas 67, Nays 33]
- To strike the earmark for the Community and Training Center by the New Immigrant Community Empowerment. (Mr. Scott of Florida (for Mr. Lee)) — Rejected (Motion to table agreed to) [Yeas 58, Nays 42]
- To eliminate funding for the United States African Development Foundation. (Mr. Lee) — Rejected (Motion to table agreed to) [Yeas 58, Nays 42]
- To rescind certain amounts appropriated for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and certain changes to Medicaid. (Mr. Sanders) — Rejected (60-vote threshold not achieved) [Yeas 49, Nays 51]
- To prevent the deferral or rescission of appropriations within 90 days of their expiration. (Mr. Merkley) — Fell (Point of order sustained) [Yeas 47, Nays 52 (on motion to waive)]
- To provide continuing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security until February 13, 2026. (Ms. Collins) — Agreed to
Who is affected
- Federal employees and military personnel: Ensured continued pay and operations through full-year funding for most agencies and a temporary extension for DHS.
- Beneficiaries of federal programs (healthcare, education, housing, social services): Protected from proposed cuts and received continued or increased funding for critical services.
- Taxpayers: Funds allocated for various federal programs and operations, with debates over fiscal responsibility and earmarks.
- Immigrants and communities with ICE operations: Subject to ongoing immigration enforcement, with future policy changes and accountability measures for ICE to be negotiated during the 2-week DHS CR.
- Local and state governments: Continued to receive federal funding for various projects, with ongoing debate about 'sanctuary city' policies and federal cooperation.
Passage of Five Appropriations Bills
highThe Senate successfully passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which includes full-year funding for five key appropriations bills. This action funds 95 percent of the federal government, preventing a widespread shutdown and ensuring continuity for numerous federal agencies and programs.
Temporary Continuing Resolution for Department of Homeland Security
highAn amendment was adopted to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a continuing resolution until February 13, 2026. This temporary measure was explicitly designed to provide additional time for Congress to evaluate and negotiate further changes and accountability measures for ICE procedures, particularly in light of recent controversies.
Debate on ICE Abuses and Accountability
highSignificant floor debate occurred regarding alleged abuses by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, particularly in Minneapolis. Democratic leaders called for dramatic reforms, including ending roving patrols, requiring judicial warrants, increasing accountability, and ensuring visible identification for officers, framing these as basic standards for law enforcement.
Republican Counter-Arguments on Immigration Enforcement
highRepublican Senators countered by emphasizing the need for strong immigration enforcement, criticizing the Biden administration's border policies, and advocating for measures against 'sanctuary cities.' They also defended federal law enforcement agents, arguing against characterizations of them as a 'Gestapo' or 'domestic army.'
Rejection of Policy Amendments
mediumSeveral amendments proposing significant policy changes or funding eliminations were rejected or tabled, including those targeting refugee assistance, the National Endowment for Democracy, congressional earmarks, and a substantial cut to ICE funding coupled with Medicaid changes. This indicates a preference to keep the appropriations package largely intact while deferring major policy debates to separate legislative vehicles or the upcoming DHS negotiations.