Senate blocks DHS funding for fourth time as shutdown enters week 5

The U.S. Senate failed to advance a DHS funding measure for the fourth time on March 12, 2026, with the 51-46 vote falling short of the 60-vote cloture threshold. The partial government shutdown had begun February 14 when funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed amid a Democratic demand for ICE and CBP reforms following the January killings of two Minnesota residents by federal agents. Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote yes. Tempers flared as the stalemate entered its fifth week with no resolution in sight.