Minneapolis Killings Ignite DHS Budget Showdown

In this episode of Congress in Context, we analyze the high-stakes legislative maneuvering of February 3, 2026, as the 119th Congress grapples with a second government shutdown. The narrative centers on the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, a complex deal designed to fully fund 96% of the federal government while placing the Department of Homeland Security on a temporary 10-day continuing resolution. We dive into the fierce floor debates where Democrats cite the "season of terror" and recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis as grounds for systemic ICE reform, while Republicans argue that withholding funds jeopardizes national security and military pay. Beyond the fiscal standoff, the episode covers a controversial push to overturn local tax laws in the District of Columbia, the authorization of Medals of Honor for historic acts of valor, and a freshman-led special order highlighting the national affordability crisis.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 3, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

H.R. 7148 (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026) funds 96% of the federal government for the fiscal year and places DHS on a 10-day continuing resolution.

H.J. Res. 142 disapproves a D.C. law decoupling local taxes from federal tax code changes.

H.R. 4090 (Critical Mineral Dominance Act) streamlines domestic mining and mineral production.

H.R. 7211 authorizes a posthumous Medal of Honor for Marine John W. Ripley for Vietnam War valor.

H.R. 3377 authorizes the Medal of Honor for Marine James Capers, Jr. for Vietnam War heroism.

H.R. 7194 authorizes the Medal of Honor for Army Lt. Nicholas Dockery for 2012 Afghanistan actions.

S. 3424 modifies Chapter 7 trustee pay and extends certain temporary judgeships.

S. 269 improves federal-state coordination and the “Do Not Pay” system.

H.R. 658 sets qualifications for marriage and family therapists in the VA.

H.R. 980 improves VA on-campus educational and vocational counseling.

H.R. 988 moves the National Women’s Relief Corps headquarters to Murphysboro, Illinois.

H.R. 1458 updates VA approval criteria for independent study programs.

H.R. 3123 refines laws on VA benefits affected by a recipient’s death.

H.R. 3497 / S. 3765 creates a federal medal for law enforcement and first responders.

H.R. 7335 requires ICE and CBP to conduct initial detainee health screenings.

H.R. 7325 establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies.

H.R. 7008 restricts stock ownership by Members of Congress, spouses, and dependents.

H.R. 1028 aims to protect women in Olympic and amateur sports.

S. 688 combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing globally.

H.R. 7045 (PROTECT Act) repeals Section 230 to increase platform accountability.

S. 3762 reforms Medicare Advantage prior authorization.

S. 3763 / H.R. 7336 provides Medicare coverage for ALS-related services.

S. 3764 / H.R. 7333 improves the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.

H.R. 7337 / S. 3766 bars funds for congressional vehicles unless U.S. union-made.

S. 3767 elevates the Indian Health Service Director to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health.

S. 3768 / H.R. 7326 (ABODE Act) directs HUD to run an affordable housing grant competition.

S. 3769 clarifies withdrawal rules for the Puyallup Tribe trust fund.

S. 3770 establishes child payments and American Dream Accounts.