Senate Fails Cloture on DHS Appropriations (51-45), Passes Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, and Continues Housing Debate
The Senate convened and engaged in significant legislative activity, most notably failing to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 51-45. This outcome prolongs the partial government shutdown affecting DHS. In contrast, the Senate unanimously passed S. 836, the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening online privacy for minors. The chamber also resumed consideration of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, with new cloture motions filed on the substitute amendment and the underlying bill, and several amendments ordered to lie on the table.
This chamber-day was significant due to the direct vote on DHS appropriations, which failed to advance, leaving critical agencies partially unfunded and highlighting a deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement reforms. The unanimous passage of S. 836 marks a substantial update to children's online privacy laws, demonstrating bipartisan consensus on protecting minors in the digital age. The continued consideration of the comprehensive housing bill, H.R. 6644, indicates ongoing efforts to address housing supply and affordability, with numerous amendments signaling diverse legislative priorities.
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 7147Question before the chamber
Cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, upon reconsideration.
The case for
Republican Senators argued for the immediate funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure national security, prevent future acts of international terrorism, and protect critical infrastructure. They highlighted that the shutdown was causing financial stress for DHS employees, including TSA agents, FEMA employees, and cybersecurity professionals, who were receiving only partial paychecks. They asserted that Democrats were prioritizing opposition to President Trump over the safety of Americans and were effectively 'defunding border security' and 'defunding the police' by blocking the appropriations bill, especially in a time of heightened global tensions and threats from Iran.
The case against
Democratic Senators argued against providing a 'blank check' to DHS without implementing reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They cited concerns about these agencies violating court orders, trampling civil rights, and engaging in violence, referencing incidents like the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents. They emphasized the need for basic accountability measures, such as body cameras, identifiable agents, and warrants for home entries, which they stated are already standard for local police. They also pointed out that the administration had allegedly gutted CISA and diverted resources from counterterrorism to deport farmworkers.
Disposition
Cloture on the motion to proceed · recorded vote
Failed
Yeas 51, Nays 45
Who is affected
- Department of Homeland Security employees (TSA, FEMA, CISA, Coast Guard, ICE, Border Patrol): Facing financial stress due to partial paychecks and uncertainty regarding future payments due to the ongoing shutdown.
- American citizens: Impacted by reduced cybersecurity assessments, jeopardized disaster relief efforts, and concerns over airport security due to the partial DHS shutdown. Also affected by the conduct of ICE and Border Patrol agents.
- State and local governments and grantees: Unable to access awarded FEMA funding due to the FEMA GO system being offline.
- Taxpayers: Affected by the operational inefficiencies and potential risks associated with a partially unfunded federal agency.
Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act
S. 836Question before the chamber
Passage of S. 836, as amended.
The case for
Senator Markey, the original author of COPPA, and Senator Cassidy emphasized that the bill updates children's online privacy law for the modern internet age. They argued it is crucial for protecting children and teens from pervasive data collection and targeted advertising by 'Big Tech,' which contributes to a youth mental health crisis. The bill bans targeted advertising to minors, creates an 'eraser' button for data deletion, and sets strong limits on personal information collection, giving young people and their families meaningful control over their data.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
The bill passed the Senate unanimously.
Amendments
- Committee-reported amendments to the bill. — Agreed to
Who is affected
- Children and teenagers (under 17): Will have increased privacy protections online, including a ban on targeted advertising and the right to delete personal data collected by platforms.
- Parents and families: Will have greater control over their children's online personal information and increased confidence in their children's online safety.
- Online platform operators: Will be subject to new regulations regarding data collection, use, and disclosure for users under 17, including a ban on targeted advertising to this demographic.
Housing for the 21st Century Act
H.R. 6644Question before the chamber
Resumption of consideration of H.R. 6644, with substitute amendment No. 4308 pending.
The case for
Senator Grassley highlighted the bill as the 'most significant housing package to be considered by Congress in decades.' He stated that it aims to increase housing supply by cutting red tape and unlocking private capital, updates Federal housing laws, and empowers communities to address local housing needs. He particularly emphasized its key reforms to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural housing service programs, which are intended to preserve and expand affordable housing in rural communities.
The case against
No opposition to the bill itself was aired in the Record during this session.
Disposition
Consideration resumed · other
The Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 6644, with further action pending and cloture motions filed for future votes.
Amendments
- Substitute amendment No. 4308, in the nature of a substitute, offered by Mr. Scott (SC) and Ms. Warren. (Mr. Scott (SC)/Ms. Warren) — Pending
- Amendment No. 4307 (to Amendment No. 4308), to require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress studies on workforce housing, housing for persons who are elderly or disabled, proximity of housing to Superfund sites, and residential heirs property. (Mr. Thune (for Mr. Scott (SC)/Ms. Warren)) — Pending
- Amendment No. 4310 (to Amendment No. 4307), to change the enactment date. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Amendment No. 4311 (to the text proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 4308), to change the enactment date. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Amendment No. 4312 (to Amendment No. 4311), of a perfecting nature. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Motion to commit the bill to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, with instructions, Amendment No. 4313, to change the enactment date. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Amendment No. 4314 (to the instructions of the motion to commit), of a perfecting nature. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Amendment No. 4315 (to Amendment No. 4314), of a perfecting nature. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'HOMES ARE FOR PEOPLE, NOT CORPORATIONS,' prohibiting large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes with certain exceptions and requiring disposal of homes after 7 years. (Mr. Warnock) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to limit funds based on property tax revenue growth, stating no funds under section 210 may be obligated unless the entity certifies aggregate property tax revenue increase did not exceed 2% over the preceding fiscal year. (Mr. Cruz) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a clause regarding energy efficiency standards in section 301(d)(2)(C). (Mrs. Shaheen) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to disallow certain deductions for large institutional investors, specifically mortgage interest and depreciation, for taxable years beginning after 5 years from enactment. (Mr. Merkley (for himself and Mr. Hawley)) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to strike lines 12 through 15 on page 287 of the amendment, and renumber subsequent subparagraphs. (Mr. Merkley (for himself and Mr. Hawley)) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'CRYPTO ATM FRAUD PREVENTION,' requiring virtual currency kiosk operators to register, implement anti-fraud policies, use blockchain analytics, obtain verbal confirmations for new customers, and provide refunds for fraudulent transactions. (Mr. Durbin) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'PROHIBITION ON BAILOUTS OF DIGITAL ASSET MARKET PARTICIPANTS,' prohibiting federal agencies from providing financial assistance or emergency liquidity to digital asset intermediaries or service providers. (Mr. Durbin) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to amend the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act to include tenant-based rental assistance, and establish additional procedures for families with children under 6, including risk assessments and relocation options. (Mr. Durbin) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'COMPETITION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE- AND MULTI-FAMILY HOMES,' requiring HUD to conduct a grant competition for developing or rehabilitating homes for low-income households with a focus on cost reduction, resiliency, energy efficiency, and accessibility. (Mr. Durbin) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'PROHIBIT SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS FROM INVESTING IN CRYPTOCURRENCY,' amending the Social Security Act to prohibit investment in digital assets or crypto-related investments. (Mr. Durbin) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a title titled 'ACCESS TO FAIR FINANCING FOR OPPORTUNITY AND RESILIENT DEVELOPMENT,' requiring annual testimony from the Treasury Secretary on the CDFI Fund, improving the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, and enhancing liquidity assistance for CDFIs. (Mr. Daines (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Crapo, and Ms. Smith)) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'APPLICABILITY OF NEPA TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSING ON INFILL SITES,' exempting certain housing assistance on infill sites from NEPA requirements. (Mr. Ricketts) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert 'and housing cooperatives' in several places related to condominiums, cooperative housing units, and public housing agencies. (Mr. Schumer) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'MORTGAGE INSURANCE REFORMS,' including findings on costly mortgage insurance, setting a maximum capital ratio for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, and amending automatic termination provisions for FHA and private mortgage insurance. (Mr. Schumer) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDER HOUSING,' defining qualified volunteer first responders and making them eligible for deductions in annual income for USDA loans and for the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. (Ms. Baldwin) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO SECTION 502 DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM,' requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to publish proposed changes to regulations, handbooks, or procedures related to section 502 loans for public comment and inform Congress. (Ms. Hirono) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'TREATMENT OF INCOME DERIVED FROM A STATE-SANCTIONED MARIJUANA BUSINESS FOR QUALIFICATION FOR A FEDERALLY BACKED SINGLE-FAMILY MORTGAGE LOAN; PROTECTIONS AGAINST FORFEITURE,' treating income from state-sanctioned marijuana businesses as legal income for federally backed mortgage loans and providing forfeiture protections. (Mr. Merkley) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'LIMITATIONS ON REDUCTIONS IN CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDING,' limiting reductions in Continuum of Care grant amounts to States and ensuring renewal of existing housing grants. (Mr. Reed (for himself and Mr. Padilla)) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'TRANSFER OF ICE APPROPRIATIONS TO HOUSING PROGRAMS,' transferring unobligated and unoutlayed balances from Public Law 119-21 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) to the Housing Trust Fund, Capital Magnet Fund, and HOME Investment Partnerships program. (Mr. Reed) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a title titled 'AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PROTECTION ACT OF 2026,' imposing a tax on certain investor purchases of single-family homes, allocating revenues to housing funds, and establishing a Housing Trust Fund small state minimum. (Mr. Reed) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'PRESERVING HOMES AND COMMUNITIES,' establishing requirements for the sale of FHA non-performing single-family mortgage loans and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac non-performing and re-performing loans, including priority for certain purchasers and loss mitigation requirements. (Mr. Reed) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'BANKRUPTCY TREATMENT OF PRIMARY RESIDENCES THAT ARE NOT REAL PROPERTY,' amending title 11, United States Code, to modify the treatment of primary residences that are not real property in bankruptcy proceedings. (Mrs. Blackburn) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a provision in section 901(a)(2)(J) to include facilities providing residential care to individuals with disabilities or developmental disabilities. (Mr. Schmitt) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a title titled 'CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW SKILLS TRAINING AT RURAL OR UNDERSERVED COLLEGES AND TRADE SCHOOLS,' establishing a grant program for education and training in residential construction careers, prioritizing rural areas and underserved populations. (Ms. Rosen) — Ordered to lie on the table
- Amendment to insert a section titled 'HOUSING OVERSIGHT AND MITIGATING EXPLOITATION,' prohibiting unconscionable pricing of residential rental and sale prices during affordable housing crises, establishing a HUD Housing Monitoring and Enforcement Unit, and limiting Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac investments. (Ms. Rosen) — Ordered to lie on the table
Who is affected
- Homebuyers and renters: Potentially benefit from increased housing supply and affordability measures, as well as reforms to mortgage insurance and protections against predatory practices by institutional investors.
- Rural communities: Benefit from reforms to USDA's rural housing service programs and potential grant funding for housing development and construction training.
- Housing developers and financial institutions: Affected by changes to housing laws, access to capital, and regulations on loan sales and investment practices.
- Individuals with disabilities and older adults: Potentially benefit from studies on housing needs and provisions for residential care facilities.
Cloture on DHS Appropriations Bill Fails, Prolonging Shutdown
highThe Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 51-45. This outcome means the bill cannot advance to full debate and vote, leaving the Department of Homeland Security in a partial shutdown for a fourth week. The vote followed extensive debate where Republicans emphasized the need for immediate funding for national security and employee pay, while Democrats insisted on reforms for ICE and Border Patrol.
Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act Passes Unanimously
highThe Senate unanimously passed S. 836, the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), by unanimous consent. This bipartisan legislation updates the original COPPA law, banning targeted advertising to children and teenagers, establishing data minimization rules, and creating an 'eraser' button for minors' personal data. Senators Markey and Cassidy highlighted the bill's importance in addressing the youth mental health crisis and protecting young people online.
Unanimous Consent Requests for Partial DHS Funding Blocked
mediumTwo unanimous consent requests to partially fund the Department of Homeland Security were blocked. Senator Murray requested passage of a bill to fund TSA, CISA, and FEMA while negotiations on ICE and Border Patrol reforms continued, but this was objected to by Senator Britt. Senator Britt then requested passage of a continuing resolution to fund DHS until March 27, 2026, which was objected to by Senator Murray. These actions underscore the ongoing stalemate over DHS funding.
Consideration of Housing for the 21st Century Act Continues with New Cloture Motions
mediumThe Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Senator Grassley praised the bill as the 'most significant housing package to be considered by Congress in decades.' Subsequently, cloture motions were filed on substitute amendment No. 4308 and on the underlying bill, setting up future votes to limit debate. Numerous first-degree amendments were also ordered to lie on the table, indicating a broad range of proposed changes.