Senator Fetterman Says Government Shutdown “Absolutely” Coming as DHS Funding Talks Collapse

TLDR

• Sen. John Fetterman expects a partial government shutdown as DHS funding expires Friday with no deal in sight
• Democrats demanded 10 immigration enforcement reforms including body cameras and ID requirements for DHS officers
• Republicans called the Democratic demands a “Christmas wish list” and labeled them as nonstarters
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refuses to accept anything less than all 10 Democratic demands
• A shutdown would affect TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, ICE, and Customs and Border Protection operations

The Department of Homeland Security faces a funding crisis as lawmakers struggle to reach an agreement before Friday’s deadline. Sen. John Fetterman told Fox News he expects a partial government shutdown to occur.

Democrats and Republicans remain far apart on funding negotiations. The standoff centers on Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms that Republicans have rejected.

On Wednesday, Democrats presented 10 specific demands for changes to how the Trump administration conducts immigration enforcement. These requirements include mandating that DHS officers wear body cameras and proper identification during operations.

Republicans quickly dismissed the Democratic proposals. They characterized the list as a “Christmas wish list” filled with nonstarters.

Lawmakers agreed to a two-week extension of DHS funding to allow more time for negotiations. That temporary measure expires this Friday with no clear path to a resolution.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Sunday he will not accept anything less than the full list of Democratic demands. Jeffries stated he had not received any communication from the White House, Speaker Mike Johnson, or Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Agencies Facing Shutdown

A DHS shutdown would impact multiple federal agencies beyond immigration enforcement. The Coast Guard, FEMA, and TSA would all lose funding under a partial government shutdown.

Jeffries placed responsibility for avoiding a shutdown on Republicans. He said Democrats want immigration enforcement agencies to operate like other law enforcement agencies across the country.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday that serious negotiations had not yet begun. Republican negotiator Katie Britt from Alabama reached out to Democrats for discussions but had not received a response at that time.

The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has drawn criticism from both parties. Two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis last month sparked outrage from lawmakers.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced last week that federal officers would wear body cameras in Minneapolis. Sen. Bill Hagerty said ICE was ready to implement body cameras but criticized Democrats for not negotiating seriously.

Democratic Position on Funding

Fetterman acknowledged uncertainty about which demands represent hard lines for Democrats. He said the party likely will not achieve all 10 of their requested reforms.

The Pennsylvania senator expressed concern about federal workers who would go unpaid during a shutdown. He specifically mentioned TSA employees who earn modest salaries while keeping air travel safe.

Fetterman said he refused to support government shutdowns last year. He emphasized that real lives depend on these federal employees receiving their paychecks.

Jeffries previously stated that another short-term funding extension was “off the table” for DHS. However, several Democratic senators have indicated willingness to consider a temporary funding measure.

Senators return to Washington D.C. on Monday to confront the funding deadline. Congressional leadership is considering canceling an upcoming recess to allow more time for negotiations.

The funding battle represents a key test of partisan cooperation in the current Congress. Both parties blame each other for the lack of progress toward a deal.

Republican negotiators maintain that Democratic demands go beyond reasonable reforms. Democrats argue their proposals simply require immigration enforcement to follow standard law enforcement practices.

The two-week extension bought lawmakers additional negotiating time. That window closes Friday with both sides showing no signs of compromise.

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