Top Headlines

Feeds

Congress Unveils $1.2 Trillion Funding Bill Ahead of Jan 31 Shutdown Threat

Updated (4 articles)

Bill Spans Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, and Health Sectors The 1,059‑page legislation allocates $838.7 billion to the Department of Defense and grants a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel [1]. It also earmarks $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite opposition from several lawmakers [1]. Additional funding covers Homeland Security, Labor, and Health and Human Services, extending through September 30, 2026 [1].

Shutdown Deadline Forces Rapid Legislative Action Lawmakers must approve the package by January 30 or risk a government shutdown on January 31 [1]. The House is slated to vote later this week, with the bill’s passage required before it can be sent to the president [1]. If enacted, the funding would sustain federal operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 [1].

Bipartisan Support Meets Targeted Opposition Both parties back the overall funding, but Democrats criticize the omission of broader operations in Venezuela and the Caribbean [1]. Some Representatives and Senators continue to contest the ICE allocation, highlighting intra‑party disagreements [1]. The bill’s structure reflects a compromise that balances defense priorities with contested immigration spending [1].

Sources

Timeline

Oct 2025 – A 43‑day government shutdown closes nonessential operations, prompting urgency to avoid a repeat as lawmakers head into the new year [2][4].

Nov 12, 2025 – Congress signs a bipartisan three‑bill spending package that funds the government through December, buying three months of breathing room before the Jan. 30 deadline [4].

2025 – President Trump authorizes strikes on Venezuela that capture Maduro, sparking a debate over presidential war‑powers without congressional approval [3][4].

Jan 5, 2026 – Congress faces a Jan. 30 budget deadline; Democrats plan a floor vote to revive ACA subsidies, using the vote to energize their midterm strategy, while war‑powers concerns over Venezuela linger [3][4].

Jan 5, 2026 – Sen. Dick Durbin says he’s “had enough of shutdowns,” Sen. Thom Tillis urges regular‑order appropriations, and Rep. Kevin Kiley criticizes the two‑month congressional hiatus that slowed bipartisan work [4].

Jan 8, 2026 – The House approves a bipartisan $175 billion package that funds the Interior, EPA, Army Corps, Commerce and Justice departments through September, receives White House praise, and removes a controversial $1.5 million earmark for Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Somali‑led program [2].

Jan 8, 2026 – Democrats highlight a $3 million boost for low‑income home‑energy efficiency and an $8.8 billion EPA allocation that exceeds the prior administration’s request, framing the bill as a win for climate and consumer protection [2].

Jan 20, 2026 – Lawmakers release a 1,059‑page, $1.2 trillion funding package that earmarks $838.7 billion for defense, grants a 3.8 % pay raise for military personnel, and retains $10 billion for ICE despite GOP opposition [1].

Jan 20, 2026 – The package sets a Jan. 30 deadline to pass the bill; if missed, a government shutdown could begin on Jan. 31, and a separate vote on Homeland Security specifics is slated for later in the year [1].

Late Jan 2026 (this week) – The House is scheduled to vote on the $1.2 trillion package, aiming to secure funding through Sept. 30, 2026 and avoid a shutdown, while Senate action remains pending [1].

All related articles (4 articles)

External resources (4 links)