The Senate on Thursday blocked a measure to advance a government funding package in a 45-55 vote ahead of Saturday’s deadline for a shutdown.
Seven Republicans joined the Democrats to block the funding package which includes money for the Department of Homeland Security.
GOP Senators Budd, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Ashley Moody, Rick Scott and Tommy Tuberville joined the Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also voted no but this allowed him to bring the vote to the floor again.
Senator Rick Scott said he might force the Senate to vote on the SAVE Act as part of a government funding deal as the shutdown looms.
I need your help! Let my colleagues know:
1️⃣ We must pass the SAVE Act & secure our elections.
2️⃣ We have to stop the earmarks & end wasteful spending.
That’s how we make Washington work for you! pic.twitter.com/TQQhCBFFvg
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 29, 2026
Fox News reported:
Senate Democrats stayed true to their threat by blocking a behemoth funding package, but in a surprising turn of events, they were joined by several Senate Republicans to derail the legislation.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus made it no secret that they would obstruct the government funding process over the last several days, demanding that Republicans strip the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill from the six-bill package.
But the defection of seven GOP lawmakers – Sens. Ted Budd, R-N.C., Ron Johnson, R-Wis., Mike Lee, R- Utah, Ashley Moody, R-Fla., Rand Paul, R-Ky., Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. – was an unexpected development on Thursday.
Senate Democrats are willing to support the five other bills in the package, however, and have reiterated that bundle would easily pass if given the chance.
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