Senate Democrats Threaten Government Shutdown Over DHS Like It's a Netflix Cliffhanger
KEY POINTS
- â˘Around 10 Senate Democrats formed a group pushing for DHS reforms, including requiring warrants and ID for arrests.
- â˘Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to block DHS funding in broader government bills starting this week.
- â˘Moderates like Patty Murray opposed the shutdown before the recent Minnesota shootings but have since changed their stance.
As of late January 2026, about 10 Senate Democrats rallied behind a DHS reform wishlist that sounds like it was inspired by a neighborhood watch committee: they want federal agents to flash badges and won't settle for warrantless arrests. Spearheaded by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), this squad wants DHS to openly chat with Minnesota cops about shootings like Renee Good and Alex Pretti, because apparently DHS drama isnât high school enough yet. The clockâs ticking on a partial government shutdown Friday, and moderates like Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who flip-flopped faster than a TikTok trend â from 'nah let's fund DHS' last week to 'not this bill, thanks' on Saturday â make this showdown look like a Senate soap opera. Senators Chris Murphy, Cory Booker, and Alex Padilla whispered angry voicemails over weekend calls to rally the troops, proving less teamwork, more group chat drama â all over funding DHS with layers of demands that read like a bad negotiation scene from 'The Good Place.'
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Senate Dems can't decide if DHS reforms are worth shutting down America, but they definitely agree agents should wear name tags like Costco employees.
Trying to get everyone on board DHS reforms is like herding cats â if the cats were also on Zoom and had Twitter accounts.
Watching Democrats debate DHS funding is like binge-watching a reality show where everyone wants the prize but nobody agrees on the rules.
Source: Axios | Published: 1/26/2026 | Author: Stephen Neukam
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