Yes, based on reports from February 12–14, 2026, the U.S. Senate failed to pass a funding measure, leading to a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that began on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The Vote: On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Senate voted 52-47 against advancing a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. This failed to meet the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.
The Cause: Senate Democrats blocked the measure, demanding, reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following shootings in Minneapolis.
The Shutdown: As a result of the failed vote and Congress entering a recess, funding for DHS expired at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Impact: This partial shutdown specifically impacts the Department of Homeland Security, including agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Border Patrol.
While this is the second funding lapse in early 2026—following a previous shutdown that ended in early February—it is more limited in scope, focusing on the impasse over DHS funding.
As
of mid-February 2026, the U.S. Senate has not voted "for" a
shutdown; rather, it failed to pass a funding bill, which triggered a
partial government shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS).
Current
status of the February 2026 fiscal situation:
Partial
DHS Shutdown: A shutdown specifically for the DHS began at midnight
on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after the Senate failed to advance a funding
measure.
Failed
Senate Vote: On Thursday, February 12, a procedural vote to advance a
year-long DHS funding bill failed 52-47, falling short of the 60 votes
required to overcome a filibuster.
Wider
Government Status: The rest of the federal government remains fully
funded through September 30, 2026, after a $1.2 trillion appropriations
package was signed on February 3.
Reason
for Impasse: Negotiations stalled over Democratic demands for reforms
to ICE and CBP enforcement practices following high-profile
incidents in Minneapolis.
Congressional
Recess: Both the House and Senate left Washington for a scheduled recess
following the failed vote, ensuring the DHS funding lapse would continue
through at least mid-February.
While the DHS is technically "shut down," most of its law enforcement and security personnel (such as TSA and Border Patrol) are considered essential and continue to work, though they may face delays in receiving full paychecks if the impasse persists into March.
https://www.google.com/search?q=has+the+us+senate+voted+for+a+shutdown+in+february+2026+google+ai
In early 2026, as a partial government shutdown involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began, some Senate Republicans and allies of President Donald Trump pushed for a "talking filibuster" (or standing filibuster) to bypass the 60-vote threshold, aiming to end the stalemate with a 51% simple majority vote. This proposal emerged as an alternative to completely abolishing the filibuster, requiring Democrats to physically hold the floor and debate to block legislation.
Key Details on the 2026 Proposal
The Goal: To pass a House-approved, Trump-backed voter ID/border security bill (SAVE Act) and end the shutdown of DHS, which began after Democrats withheld votes to force negotiations.
The Mechanism: The proposal seeks to change Senate rules to require a "talking filibuster." Instead of the modern, quiet, procedural 60-vote threshold, Democrats would be forced to hold the floor to block action, a method that would eventually allow Republicans to force a vote with a simple majority (50+ votes).
Support
& Opposition: Senators like Mike Lee (R-Utah) indicated many
colleagues were open to this, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.)
previously stated there were not enough votes within the GOP conference to
"nuke" the filibuster entirely.
Context: This follows a 43-day, wide-ranging government shutdown in late 2025 where Trump strongly urged the "nuclear option" (ending the 60-vote rule entirely), a move that failed due to resistance from multiple Senate Republicans.
Differences
from Previous Shutdowns
Unlike the 43-day, 2025 shutdown which affected all federal agencies, the early
2026 DHS shutdown was narrower, as other departments were funded, notes the New
York Times. However, the procedural fight over the 60-vote threshold remained a
key point of conflict between the GOP-controlled Senate and Senate
Democrats.
As of February 17, 2026, Senate Republicans are discussing a "talking filibuster" as a potential strategy to break a legislative deadlock linked to a partial government shutdown.
The
"Talking Filibuster" Proposal
While not a formal rule change yet, the proposal involves forcing a "standing" or "talking" filibuster. This would require Democrats to physically hold the Senate floor and speak continuously to maintain their obstruction.
The 51% (Simple Majority) Goal: Proponents, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), argue that if Republicans can maintain a 51-senator "live quorum" on the floor while waiting out Democratic speeches, they could eventually force an up-or-down vote on a simple majority basis.
Status of the Rule: Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has expressed skepticism, stating there are "not even close" to enough votes to formally "nuke" the 60-vote threshold, but he has not ruled out a conversation on using a talking filibuster to advance the SAVE Act.
Context:
The 2026 Government Shutdown
The U.S. entered a limited government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on February 14, 2026.
Affected Agencies: The shutdown only impacts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the TSA, FEMA, and Border Patrol. All other 11 federal appropriations bills have been funded for the fiscal year.
Cause of Deadlock: Democrats blocked a continuing resolution for DHS funding, demanding reforms for federal immigration agents following recent controversial incidents.
Current State: Congress is currently on a scheduled one-week recess, meaning no vote to end the shutdown is expected before members return.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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