January 30, 2026
Graham blocks Trump-backed shutdown deal over Jack Smith phone records provision; shutdown begins Saturday
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) placed a hold on the government funding package on Jan. 29, 2026, blocking the Senate from quickly considering it. He emerged from Majority Leader 
John Thune's office and announced 'We're not voting tonight.'
The Senate's cloture vote failed 45-55 on Jan. 29, 2026. Seven Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against advancing the package, far short of the 60 votes needed. Majority Leader Thune voted no to preserve the ability to bring up the measure again.
Graham objected to a House provision that would repeal a law allowing senators to sue the Justice Department for $500,000 per violation when their phone records are seized without notice. The House passed this repeal 426-0 in Nov. 2025.
The 'Arctic Frost' investigation was an FBI probe into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, transferred to Special Counsel 
Jack Smith in Nov. 2022. Smith's team issued 197 subpoenas targeting approximately 430 Republican individuals and entities.
Phone toll records (metadata, not call contents) were obtained from at least 10 Republican senators for Jan. 4-7, 2021: Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville, Ron Johnson, Cynthia Lummis, Marsha Blackburn, and Rick Scott. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) was also targeted.
Graham lifted his hold on Jan. 30, 2026, after Thune committed to future votes on sanctuary cities legislation and a modified provision allowing non-congressional targets to sue. Graham claimed the hold was 'not about me' due to an Ethics Committee agreement.
President Trump supported the bipartisan deal, posting on Truth Social that 'Republicans and Democrats in Congress have come together' and urging 'a very much needed Bipartisan YES Vote.'
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was 'very angry' about the Arctic Frost provision and called it 'way out of line.' He said he had 'no prior notice' it was added and 'did not appreciate' it.
A partial government shutdown starting Feb. 1, 2026, appeared unavoidable because the House was in recess until Monday. Only DHS and related agencies would be affected since five other spending bills had already passed.
Senator (R-SC)
Senate Majority Leader (R-SD)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman (R-IA)
Former Special Counsel
House Speaker (R-LA)
Representative (R-TX)
Senate Minority Leader (D-NY)
civic action
Demand Senate reform of procedural holds that allow single senators to block legislation
A single senator's hold can block legislation affecting millions of Americans. Citizens can voice support or opposition to how senators use procedural tools like holds and unanimous consent.
Hi, I'm calling about the government funding situation and Senate procedures. I [support/oppose] the use of holds to block funding bills. I believe [senators should have tools to protect institutional prerogatives / taxpayer money should not fund senators' personal lawsuits]. Please tell the Senator how I feel about using procedural holds on spending legislation.
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Learn about Senate procedures and how unanimous consent works
The Senate operates largely through unanimous consent agreements, meaning one senator can significantly delay or block business. Understanding how holds, filibusters, and cloture votes work helps citizens evaluate whether procedural reforms are needed.
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Review the Arctic Frost investigation documents released by the Senate Judiciary Committee
Sen. Grassley's oversight released 197 subpoenas and supporting documents. Citizens can review primary sources to form their own conclusions about the investigation's scope and whether it was appropriate.
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Contact your representative about government oversight of federal investigations
The House voted 426-0 to repeal the lawsuit provision, showing bipartisan agreement that taxpayer-funded damages for senators was inappropriate. Citizens can weigh in on how Congress should balance accountability for investigative overreach with protecting taxpayer dollars.
Hi, I'm calling about congressional oversight of federal investigations. I believe [investigations should have stronger safeguards for legislators / current investigative procedures are appropriate]. Please share my views on balancing law enforcement needs with separation of powers concerns.