Senate funding vote; Liam Ramos; Interest rates : NPR

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Today’s top stories

The Senate is expected to vote today on a $1.6 trillion six-bill package to fund the government. But Democrats say they will block the funding package, which includes money for the Department of Homeland Security, until there are major reforms to how immigration agents operate in the U.S. Without a deal, a partial government shutdown begins at the end of the day tomorrow.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) talks to reporters following the weekly Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 28 in Washington, DC. A partial federal government shutdown looms as Senate Democrats have threatened to hold up funding for the Department of Homeland Security after two U.S. citizens were murdered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

• 🎧 Democrats are pushing to pass the other five spending bills in the package, leaving out DHS while they negotiate terms, NPR’s Claudia Grisales tells Up First. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says his party wants tighter cooperation with local law enforcement, a uniform code of conduct and use-of-force rules, and an end to roving patrols. Republican leaders oppose splitting the funding package, arguing that the House would never pass any part of it again. A partial shutdown would lead to other government agencies, such as Health and Human Services, losing funding this weekend.

Yesterday, nearly 200 protesters demonstrated outside an ICE family detention center in South Texas to demand the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father. Authorities detained the father and son in Minnesota last week and transported them to the center. The demonstration led to a confrontation with police in riot gear.

• 🎧 Police fired pepper balls to disperse the crowd during the confrontation, filling the air with white smoke. Texas Public Radio’s Joey Palacios, who was there, says he and his photographer started coughing and couldn’t see. Palacios said the experience felt like breathing hot sauce. Earlier that day, Congressman Joaquin Castro and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett visited the detention center and met with the child and his father. Castro reported that the young boy appeared physically and emotionally affected by the ordeal.

Federal Reserve policymakers voted yesterday to hold interest rates steady, despite pressure from President Trump for lower borrowing costs. The Fed is aiming to keep interest rates high enough to fight inflation while avoiding a spike in unemployment.

• 🎧 The Fed is hoping to get inflation back down to 2%. It was around 3% in December, NPR’s Scott Horsley reports. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell says the president’s tariffs are a big reason for the higher inflation rate. While U.S. importers have absorbed some costs so far, Powell warns that consumers could see more tariff-related price hikes in the coming months. Powell predicts that inflation might eventually settle down if we don’t get many more tariff hikes.

Living better

Athletic young woman doing exercises in gym

Gennadiy Kravchenko/iStockphoto/Getty Images

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Gennadiy Kravchenko/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.

Building strength and muscle benefits a person’s health and longevity. But most Americans don’t lift weights or regularly engage in muscle-strengthening activities. Many people often say they don’t have time to exercise. Experts say that in reality, it probably doesn’t take as long as many people think. Exercise physiologist David Behm and others in his field are promoting the idea of a minimum dose. The concept is in how little you can get away with and still make meaningful progress. Check out this guide to start meaningful strength training:

• 🏋️ You can make real strength and muscle gains with just one or two quick workouts a week, sometimes in as little as half an hour.
• 🏋️ The key is to focus on multi-joint exercises, like squats and bench presses. These moves activate one or more major muscle groups at the same time.
• 🏋️ Studies on resistance training suggest a beginner could start with one workout a week for the first three months. Their routine should incorporate a handful of multi-joint exercises, with one set of about 6 to 15 reps per movement.

Today’s listen

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Lauren Desberg

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Lauren Desberg

Vocalist Michael Mayo’s sophomore album, Fly, soared to new heights, earning him his first Grammy nomination. Mayo showcased his jazz-influenced musical prowess, captivating critics with its floating production, expressive songwriting and expansive vocal range. The album received a nomination for best jazz vocal album, and the track “Four” earned a nod for best jazz performance. Mayo joined All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang to discuss the people who helped Fly take flight and how he approaches taking artistic risk. Listen to the interview or read the transcript here.

3 things to know before you go

The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra (SBSO). performing in 2013.

JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images/AFP

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JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images/AFP

1. The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra earned a Grammy nomination for best orchestral performance with its recording of Ravel’s Boléro. The orchestra is the flagship ensemble of Venezuela and it remains focused on the music despite a turbulent moment for the country.
2. With the Super Bowl matchup set, the Word of the Week is coming in with a timely term: football. Check out how the word has become synonymous with multiple sports.
3. In this week’s Far-Flung Postcard, NPR’s Diaa Hadid takes a stroll along the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, India, where people enjoy a relaxing late-afternoon breeze.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.

what are the potential economic impacts of the recent Senate funding vote?

Senate Funding Vote, economic Impacts & Liam ramos’ Analysis: A Deep Dive

The recent Senate funding vote, coupled with ongoing analysis from economists like Liam Ramos at NPR, is sending ripples through financial markets and impacting everyday Americans. Understanding the interplay between government spending, interest rate policies, and expert commentary is crucial for navigating the current economic landscape. This article breaks down the key elements and potential consequences.

The Senate Funding Vote: What Happened?

On January 28th,2026,the Senate narrowly passed a continuing resolution to fund the government,averting a potential shutdown. The vote, 51-49, followed intense debate over spending levels and policy riders. Key areas of contention included:

* Defence spending: A significant portion of the debate centered around proposed increases to the defense budget, with opposition arguing for greater investment in domestic programs.

* Social Programs: Funding for programs like education, healthcare, and environmental protection faced scrutiny, leading to compromises on allocation levels.

* Debt Ceiling: While the continuing resolution avoids an immediate shutdown, it doesn’t address the looming debt ceiling deadline, setting the stage for another potential showdown in the coming months.

The resolution provides funding through mid-February, giving lawmakers time to negotiate a longer-term budget agreement.However, the short-term nature of the deal introduces uncertainty into the economic outlook.

Liam Ramos’ Perspective: NPR’s economic Analysis

NPR’s economics correspondent,Liam Ramos,has been closely following the funding debate and its potential economic ramifications. Ramos’ analysis highlights several key concerns:

* Government Shutdown Risk: Even a short government shutdown can disrupt economic activity, leading to delays in services, reduced consumer confidence, and a drag on GDP growth.

* Fiscal Policy Uncertainty: The ongoing political battles over the budget create uncertainty for businesses and investors, possibly dampening investment and hiring.

* Impact on Federal Reserve Policy: The fiscal situation influences the Federal Reserve’s decisions regarding interest rates.A lack of fiscal discipline could put upward pressure on rates,as the Fed attempts to control inflation.

Ramos emphasizes that the current situation is not ideal, and a more stable fiscal environment is needed to support sustained economic growth. He points to the need for bipartisan cooperation to address long-term budget challenges.

Interest Rate Outlook: The Fed’s Balancing Act

The Federal Reserve is currently navigating a delicate balancing act: combating inflation while avoiding a recession. The Senate funding vote adds another layer of complexity to this equation.

Here’s a breakdown of the current interest rate landscape:

1. Current Federal Funds Rate: As of January 29th, 2026, the federal funds rate sits in a target range of 5.25%-5.50%.
2. Inflation Trends: While inflation has cooled from its peak in 2023, it remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Recent data suggests a slight uptick in core inflation, raising concerns about persistent price pressures.
3. Economic Growth: The US economy has shown resilience, but growth is slowing. the risk of a recession remains elevated, particularly if the government fails to address its fiscal challenges.

Potential Scenarios:

* Rate Cuts: If inflation continues to moderate and economic growth slows significantly,the Fed may begin to cut interest rates later in 2026.

* Rate Holds: If inflation remains sticky,the Fed may choose to hold rates steady for an extended period.

* Rate Hikes: A resurgence in inflation or a stronger-than-expected economy could prompt the Fed to raise rates further.

How Funding Votes & Interest Rates Affect You

These seemingly abstract economic events have very real consequences for individuals and families. Here’s how:

* Mortgage Rates: Changes in interest rates directly impact mortgage rates, affecting the affordability of homeownership. Higher rates mean higher monthly payments.

* credit Card Debt: Interest rates on credit cards are typically variable, meaning they rise and fall with the federal funds rate.

* Auto Loans: Similar to credit cards, auto loan rates are also influenced by interest rate movements.

* Savings Accounts: Higher interest rates can benefit savers, as banks offer more attractive yields on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).

* Job Market: Economic uncertainty can lead to slower job growth or even layoffs.

Real-World Example: The Auto Industry

The auto industry provides a clear example of how these factors interact. Rising interest rates make auto loans more expensive, potentially reducing demand for new and used vehicles.Simultaneously, government funding for infrastructure projects (frequently enough debated during these votes) can stimulate demand for commercial vehicles and construction equipment. AutoScout24 data, for instance, shows a correlation between interest rate fluctuations and search volume for affordable used cars.

Practical Tips for Navigating Economic Uncertainty

Given the current economic climate, here are some practical steps you can take to protect your financial well-being:

* Budgeting: Create a detailed budget to track your income and expenses.

* Debt Management: Prioritize paying down high-interest debt, such as credit card balances.

* Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

* Diversification: Diversify your investments to reduce risk.

* Stay Informed: Keep abreast of economic developments