Washington Heating Up
Author: Greg Valliere
February 10, 2026
A partial government shutdown, a trade dispute with Canada, and the possible ouster of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are all front-burner issues as Washington staggers to the presidents day break later this week.
Once again, Congress will look foolish by threatening a partial shutdown if nothing passes. The issue this time: Democrats want to reform immigration laws.
The Democrats want a mandatory warrant before ICE agents can enter private property, and they want to prohibit immigration officers from wearing masks, requiring officers to show other identification. Many of these proposals are adamantly opposed by the White House and a shutdown is at least a 50-50 shot.
There will be another interesting vote later this week as Congress attempts to lift Trump tariffs on several countries, including Canada.
This vote will be largely symbolic but it would send a signal that Ottawa eventually will prevail, still another source of friction between the two countries.
As for the volatile Lutnick, he faces bipartisan calls to resign after the Epstein files showed he spent time with the disgraced pedophile well after Lutnick said they had no contact. They apparently did.
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