The Daily Punch Senate searches for an out
Jan 28, 2026
Reporting on a scramble in the Senate to patch DHS funding and avoid a government shutdown. Discussion of three contested paths Republicans are weighing and the tight 48-hour clock. Preview of tough questioning Marco Rubio may face about Venezuela operations and troop commitments. Coverage of AIPAC’s spending to target a lawmaker over Israel aid conditions.
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Surge In Threats To Lawmakers
- Threats to members of Congress have surged, with Capitol Police investigating nearly 15,000 incidents in 2025, a 57% increase from 2024.
- Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer emphasize that increased funds help but cannot replace individualized security for all 535 lawmakers.
Procedural Hurdles Around DHS Changes
- Senate Republicans want DHS and immigration changes but face procedural barriers to codifying reforms without risking a shutdown.
- Jake Sherman explains that removing DHS from the must-pass package or relying on executive actions both carry major political and legislative risks.
Don't Bank On Future Fixes
- Avoid relying solely on future promises: stripping DHS from the must-pass bill risks never enacting reforms if the House balks.
- Jake Sherman warns that separate legislation faces the same hostile House dynamics and Freedom Caucus opposition.