Funding
House GOP Passes Funding Bill Through Midterms, Daring Democrats to Force Another Shutdown
House Republicans pushed through a stopgap government funding bill this week that would keep federal agencies running through Dec. 4 — safely past the November midterms — in a move GOP leaders framed as a responsible, no-drama alternative to the shutdown fights Democrats have triggered twice in the past year. The House voted 220-205 to extend government funding at existing levels through Dec. 4, with six Democrats joining Republicans to advance the bill. Only one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the measure. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate is far less certain. Republicans Frame It as Responsible Governing House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., told colleagues that “the hard reality before us is straightforward — the fiscal year deadline is outpacing the work that remains,” and that Republicans “refuse to let the obstruction and inaction of Senate Democrats trigger another manufactured shutdown.” Speaker Mike Johnson praised the bill and placed the blame squarely on Democrats who opposed it. Republicans have pointed to this year’s earlier 76-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security — the longest in U.S. history, which Democrats triggered over demands to overhaul ICE and Border Patrol funding — as a preview of what could happen again if Democrats aren’t willing to negotiate in good faith before the Sept. 30 deadline. Democrats Push Back House Democratic leadership blasted the bill as a one-sided attempt to lock in current spending and policy priorities without their input. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said in a joint statement that the continuing resolution “is a premature and desperate attempt by Republicans to abdicate their responsibility to govern while there are still several months left to negotiate a bipartisan agreement.” An Uncertain Path in the Senate Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said he’ll try to bring a stopgap measure to a vote before the chamber breaks for its August recess, but acknowledged it’s “possible” the fight could get “punted” further into September, leaving the funding question unresolved right up against the fiscal year deadline. With not a single annual appropriations bill having cleared both chambers so far this year, lawmakers are running out of runway to avoid another last-minute scramble. This story is developing.
Hegseth Fires Back at Democrats Over War Funding in Fiery Senate Showdown
Sen. Gary Peters accused Hegseth of lacking a plan to win the war as the $1.5 trillion budget request faces scrutiny Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to play defense Tuesday, turning a hostile Senate hearing into a forceful counterattack against Democrats he accused of undermining the troops through partisan obstruction — even as senators pressed him on the administration’s handling of the ongoing war with Iran. The hearing, which was meant to focus on the Pentagon’s record $1.5 trillion budget request for fiscal year 2027, instead became a heated back-and-forth over military leadership and the trajectory of the Iran conflict, now well past the 60 days President Trump initially suggested it would take to resolve. Peters Presses, Hegseth Pushes Back Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., opened the confrontation by pressing Hegseth on whether the administration actually has a strategy to bring the war to a close, arguing the country was in a worse position than when the conflict began. “You — you don’t have a strategy, you don’t have a long-term plan to actually win this war,” Peters said, raising his voice. “Win the war! The men and women are going to be able to do it, but they need leadership. When will you show leadership?” Hegseth didn’t back down. He turned the attack back on Democrats, arguing that their hesitance on the administration’s border enforcement policies has bled into hesitance on funding the military itself. “When will you show leadership and stand up to your fellow Democrats who won’t fund the troops, who play partisan politics while you don’t give us the money?” Hegseth shot back. “You want to stand up here and talk about the troops? You won’t show any political courage to actually fund our department because you have Trump derangement syndrome and you won’t commit to anything meaningful. So, I put this on you, senator.” Blaming the Last Administration Hegseth also used the hearing to draw a contrast with what he described as years of neglect under his predecessor, former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, pointing to the Biden administration’s failure to invest in hypersonic missile technology — a capability China first fielded in 2019. “They just decided to pretend like that technology didn’t exist and we shouldn’t invest in it,” Hegseth said. “I don’t know what Lloyd Austin did for four years. I really don’t. The amount of neglect, the amount of stale thinking and bureaucracy; it was staggering when we took over.” A Bind for Democrats The exchange highlighted a broader challenge facing Democrats on the Armed Services and Appropriations panels: criticizing Hegseth’s leadership without appearing to withhold support from service members currently in harm’s way. Lawmakers on the panel have voiced reservations about the administration’s Iran strategy while also stressing their support for troops in the field — a balancing act Hegseth was quick to exploit in front of the cameras. The war itself remains unresolved. The conflict began February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, and despite the administration’s early promises of a swift resolution, American forces remain engaged in a standoff with Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipping. The Budget Fight Looms Large The clash unfolded against the backdrop of the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in defense spending for 2027 — a sizable jump from the roughly $900 billion Congress approved for the current fiscal year. Republicans have largely rallied behind the funding request and Hegseth’s leadership, framing it as essential to reversing what they describe as years of underinvestment and mismanagement at the Pentagon. Democrats have raised concerns about the price tag and pressed for greater accountability on the war’s objectives and cost, which has already climbed past $80 billion — more than double initial estimates given to Congress. This story is developing.
Standing Firm: DHS Shutdown Looms as Democrats Reject White House Enforcement Offer
The clock is ticking toward a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with funding set to expire at midnight on Friday, February 13, 2026. Despite a significant legislative offer sent by the White House overnight—which administration officials describe as a “serious, good-faith effort” to address recent tragedies—Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has issued a “firm no,” pushing the government to the precipice of a funding lapse. At The Modern Memo, we analyze the administration’s offer, the Democratic rejection, and the high stakes of this “Valentine’s Day” deadline. The White House Offer: Concessions or “Hollow” Vows? In an effort to avoid the shutdown, the Trump administration transmitted a detailed counterproposal late Monday night. Administration sources highlight several key concessions intended to bridge the gap with the minority: Accelerated Body Cameras: The White House proposed an enforceable timeline to ensure 100% of ICE and CBP agents are equipped with body-worn cameras by the end of 2026. Enhanced Use-of-Force Training: The offer included a permanent funding increase for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) to implement mandatory de-escalation certification for all agents in the field. Targeted Enforcement Pledges: The administration offered to codify internal memos that prioritize high-threat criminal aliens, a move aimed at addressing concerns about “indiscriminate” arrests. However, the administration remained firm on several “non-starters,” including the Democratic demand for judicial warrants for all residential enforcement, arguing it would grind the legal system to a halt and allow dangerous criminals to evade capture. Schumer’s “Firm No” and the Minneapolis Crisis Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was quick to dismiss the offer as “incomplete and insufficient.” The impasse is rooted in the political fallout from two fatal shootings in Minneapolis last month involving federal agents—the deaths of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a mother of three. Demanding “Binding” Reforms: Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are insisting on a list of 10 formal demands, including a ban on agents wearing masks, a requirement for visible badge numbers, and the preservation of state power to investigate federal agents. The Leveraging of Funding: Schumer told reporters on Wednesday, “If they don’t add things that will rein in ICE, they are not getting our votes. Plain and simple.” The Counter-Narrative: While Democrats cite the Minneapolis incidents as proof of “lawless conduct,” Republicans have pointed out that agents often wear masks to prevent “doxing” by radical activists and that the fatal incidents are still under investigation. The Shutdown Reality: Who Actually Stops Working? As the Friday midnight deadline approaches, the practical impact of a DHS shutdown is more nuanced than typical government closures. Essential Personnel: Over 90% of DHS employees, including Border Patrol agents, ICE officers, TSA screeners, and Coast Guard personnel, are considered “essential” and would continue to work without pay until a deal is reached. The $75 Billion Cushion: Under the massive funding bill passed late last year, ICE maintains a $75 billion “enforcement fund” that does not lapse with the annual budget. This means mass deportation operations and border security functions will largely continue uninterrupted, even during a formal shutdown. The Furloughs: Roughly 10,000 to 15,000 “non-essential” administrative and support staff would be sent home, potentially causing delays in visa processing and E-Verify services. GOP Strategy: “Security is Not a Bargaining Chip” House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have signaled they are prepared to weather a short-term DHS-only shutdown rather than agree to what they call “radical” restrictions on law enforcement. Protecting Agents: “We will not unmask the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our borders,” Speaker Johnson stated. “The Democrats are holding the safety of American citizens hostage to protect people who have no legal right to be here.” The Next Move: The Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote today on a full-year funding bill, though it is almost certain to be blocked by the Democratic filibuster, setting the stage for a Valentine’s Day lapse. Final Word Staying informed on the DHS shutdown deadline isn’t just about watching a political standoff—it plays a powerful role in your understanding of the “checks and balances” currently testing the federal government. When you look past the drama of a “firm no” and focus on the data of the $75 billion enforcement cushion and the specific policy disagreements over “judicial warrants,” you gain a clearer picture of the stakes for national security and the rule of law. Quality information replaces the noise of partisan rhetoric with the clarity of legislative text and budgetary reality. It allows you to see this shutdown not as a total collapse, but as a high-stakes negotiation over the future of American immigration enforcement. By choosing to follow the facts of the White House offer rather than the slogans of the protesters, you align your perspective with the realities of the current political climate and support a more informed, resilient society. Where Facts, Context, and Perspective Matter At The Modern Memo, our goal is simple: to provide clear, well-researched reporting in a media landscape that often feels overwhelming. We focus on substance over sensationalism, and context over commentary. If you value thoughtful analysis, transparent sourcing, and stories that go beyond the headline, we invite you to share our work. Informed conversations start with reliable information, and sharing helps ensure important stories reach a wider audience. Journalism works best when readers engage, question, and participate. By reading and sharing, you’re supporting a more informed public and a healthier media ecosystem. The Modern Memo may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. 📩 Love what you’re reading? Don’t miss a headline! Subscribe to The Modern Memo here!
The Funding Standoff: Partial Shutdown Enters Day Three
As of Monday morning, February 2, 2026, the United States government remains in a partial shutdown following the expiration of several federal funding authorities at midnight on Saturday. The lapse has left portions of the federal government without appropriations as lawmakers continue negotiations centered on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Several major agencies remain affected while Congress considers a short-term legislative solution that could reopen parts of the government as early as Tuesday. Background: Events Driving the Debate The current funding dispute intensified following a January 24 federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse. The incident is under investigation. Video footage circulated online in the days following the event, prompting renewed scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. The shooting followed a separate enforcement-related fatality earlier in January involving another U.S. citizen, Renee Good. In response, several Democratic lawmakers have called for changes to federal enforcement policies, linking DHS funding to proposed operational standards for ICE agents. Legislative Strategy and Senate Action To prevent a full government shutdown, Senate leadership and the White House advanced a two-part funding approach late last week. Under the plan, the Senate approved a package funding several federal departments—including Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Transportation—through the end of the fiscal year in September. The measure passed by a 71–29 vote. DHS funding was separated from the broader package and extended for an additional two weeks. Supporters of the approach described the temporary extension as a mechanism to allow further negotiations on enforcement policies, including proposals related to agent identification and warrant requirements. The House did not vote on the Senate-approved package before the funding deadline. Lawmakers were in recess over the weekend, and travel disruptions caused by severe winter weather across parts of the Southeast contributed to the delay. Agencies Affected by the Shutdown The funding lapse has resulted in a partial shutdown, as several agencies had already received appropriations earlier in the fiscal year. Agencies currently affected include: Homeland Security Treasury Transportation Health and Human Services Labor Portions of Defense involving civilian operations Hundreds of thousands of federal employees classified as non-essential have been placed on unpaid furlough. Employees designated as essential, including active-duty military personnel and Transportation Security Administration officers, continue to work without pay. Agencies that remain funded and operational include: Justice Agriculture Interior Veterans Affairs Next Steps and Timeline House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday that the House is expected to consider the Senate’s funding package by Tuesday. Johnson described the vote as necessary to restore government operations while discussions over DHS funding continue. Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed reservations about passing a short-term DHS extension without additional commitments regarding enforcement oversight. Some Democrats argue that funding negotiations present an opportunity to establish permanent operational standards for ICE. Negotiations are ongoing, and it remains unclear whether further amendments or assurances will be required to secure passage in the House. Final Word With funding expired for several federal agencies, congressional leaders are working within a compressed timeline to pass a short-term solution while negotiations over DHS appropriations continue. Whether lawmakers reach an agreement in the coming days will determine if affected government operations resume this week or if the partial shutdown continues as talks extend into February. Where Facts, Context, and Perspective Matter At The Modern Memo, our goal is simple: to provide clear, well-researched reporting in a media landscape that often feels overwhelming. We focus on substance over sensationalism, and context over commentary. If you value thoughtful analysis, transparent sourcing, and stories that go beyond the headline, we invite you to share our work. Informed conversations start with reliable information, and sharing helps ensure important stories reach a wider audience. Journalism works best when readers engage, question, and participate. By reading and sharing, you’re supporting a more informed public and a healthier media ecosystem. The Modern Memo may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. 📩 Love what you’re reading? Don’t miss a headline! Subscribe to The Modern Memo here!
EXCLUSIVE: Cash Flowing Into Anti-ICE Group’s Coffers Came From Chinese Gov’t-Linked Sources
by Jason Hopkins and Philip Lenczycki (INVESTIGATIVE GROUP) Numerous Chinese government-linked entities have bankrolled a nonprofit accused of offering tips on how to evade federal immigration authorities, a Daily Caller News Foundation investigation found. House Republicans recently launched an investigation into the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) — a New York-based nonprofit that’s been awarded over $1.4 million in tax-payer dollars since 2022 — after an undercover video surfaced purportedly showing CPC staff coaching illegal immigrants on how to avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehension. A review of CPC’s financial records discovered Chinese government-linked sources have been pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the nonprofit in recent years, raising concerns of potential foreign obstruction of U.S. immigration enforcement. “I’m deeply concerned that Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars were potentially used by an NGO [non-governmental organization] to help illegal aliens subvert our nation’s laws,” Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, told the DCNF. “Even more troubling is the Chinese-American Planning Council’s alleged ties to the [CCP] — a regime we know is committed to undermining U.S. sovereignty,” Green continued. “This Committee will continue investigating suspicious activities by NGOs to protect taxpayer dollars from supporting those who make a mockery of our laws.” (MORE NEWS: Complicit? California Democrats Send Another Child Sex Trafficking Bill Into Oblivion – LGBTQ Concerns Raised) CPC has received as much as $445,969 in donations from sources with ties to the Chinese government since 2018, according to financial records reviewed by the DCNF. State-run enterprises such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Bank of China as well as other entities connected to the Chinese Community Party (CCP) have provided financial assistance to CPC in recent years, records show. Additionally, CPC also appears to have significant financial and personnel links to a New York-based nonprofit, which, in turn, has extensive ties to Beijing and a CCP influence and intelligence arm. CPC did not respond to multiple requests for comment. ‘If ICE Comes To The Door…’ Founded in 1965, CPC serves to promote the interests of Chinese-American, immigrant and low income communities across New York City, according to its website. The organization bills itself as the country’s largest Asian American social services group and claims to provide more than 50 “high-quality” programs at numerous sites across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The House Homeland Security Committee announced on April 16 that it would begin investigating CPC for potentially using federal funds to facilitate illegal immigration. In an April letter first obtained by the DCNF, Green and Oklahoma GOP Rep. Josh Brecheen demanded CPC president Wayne Ho hand over documentation related to his group’s immigration seminars, funding grants and other related material. The investigation is in response to undercover footage obtained by Muckraker.com, which allegedly shows CPC’s chief policy and public affairs officer, Carlyn Cower, and other staff directing audience members on best practices to avoid ICE apprehension during a March 8th CPC seminar in New York City. (MORE NEWS: ‘Will Be Punished’: Consequences Arrive Early For Canadian Voters After Doubling Down On Wokeism) To avoid ICE, Cowen recommended “hardening your physical space,” “identifying a list of individuals authorized to respond if ICE comes to the door” and “training everybody who’s going to be involved,” footage shows. Another speaker at the event directed individuals to “not open the door at all.” While state and local officials are not required to assist ICE with its mission, individuals are prohibited by law from getting in the way or otherwise impeding immigration enforcement actions. Immediately upon being sworn into office, Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered funding to be pulled from sanctuary cities — and called for the Department of Justice to investigate NGOs receiving federal grant money. The Trump administration has made clear it will not tolerate any obstruction of justice, and followed through on this position with the recent arrest and indictment of a Wisconsin judge for allegedly helping an illegal migrant in her courtroom evade an ICE agent. A main concern for House Republicans is whether CPC has been facilitating illegal immigration all while raking in thousands of dollars in federal grants. Around 55% of CPC’s total revenue comes from federal and state government grants, according to the House Homeland Security Committee. The New York City-based group has been awarded more than $1.4 million in direct federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services since 2022, and may have received more federal funding awarded through New York State. The CCP Orbit’ A review of CPC’s annual reports show it not only received U.S. federal tax dollars, but also large sums of cash from Chinese government sources. The Bank of China, a state-owned banking corporation based in Beijing, gave CPC as much as $9,999 in 2020 and up to that same amount in 2024, the nonprofit’s annual reports show. CPC also received donations from Chinese state-run Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in 2018, 2019 and 2023, amounting to as much as $19,997, the nonprofit’s annual reports show. The Hong Kong-based Bank of East Asia has also donated to CPC every year since at least 2018, having possibly doled out as much as $45,000, according to CPC’s financial records. Top executives for the bank, such as co-chief executives Adrian David Li Man-kiu and Brian David Li Man Bun, have both served as delegates to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at either regional or national levels, according to their English language profiles on the bank’s website. CPPCC “delegates attend a high-profile annual meeting to receive direction from the CCP regarding the ways its policies should be characterized” and “serve as proxies for CCP interests,” according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, a NYC-based health services provider catering to the local Asian-American community, has likewise donated large sums to CPC in recent years, according to a review of CPC’s annual reports. Since 2018, the health center contributed as much as $229,993 in donations to CPC, its records show. However, Charles B. Wang — a Chinese-American billionaire and major donor to the health center — frequently met with CCP influence and intel leaders in China, state-run media reports reveal. A DCNF translation of Chinese government records reveal Wang served as an “executive…