The Pending Partial Government Shutdown!
On Tuesday, the voted 217-214 to avoid a partial government shutdown; however, included in the funding package was a continuing resolution (CR) through February 13th for the Department of Homeland Security.
Last Friday night, a significant portion of federal government funding expired, affecting agencies and programs covered by six key appropriations bills: Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor-Health and Human Services, National Security-State, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development.
The Senate attempted to pass the House-approved appropriations package last Thursday, but it failed to get the 60 votes needed to move forward. All Senate Democrats and seven conservative Republicans voted "no" on the motion. As a result, Senate Democrats and President Trump worked out a deal to remove the Homeland Security section from the bill and keep the other five spending bills. They also included a provision to keep Homeland Security funded at 2025 levels until February 13. The Senate passed this revised version of the bill late Friday by a vote of 71-29.
Now, the Senate's revised bill goes back to the House. Minority Leader Jeffries (D-NY) stated that Democrats will not help pass the bill under the usual rules (which require a two-thirds majority). This puts pressure on Republicans, as the alternative is for almost all Republicans to support a rule that allows the bill to be debated. Many House Republicans are threatening to block the bill unless it is changed to include their legislative priorities.
Meanwhile, Democrats and the White House have about one week to finalize a new Homeland Security funding deal. President Trump and White House officials are facing challenges over immigration issues, while Democrats are under pressure to demand reforms before agreeing to a new bill. Some Senate Democrats are pushing for stricter rules on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), including rules on ICE officers' conduct, masks, identification, and body cameras. Many Republicans oppose these conditions and do not want to change the Homeland Security funding bill. The divide between Senate and House Democrats could weaken their bargaining power.
Ultimately, for both the appropriations minibus and the Homeland Security bill to pass, President Trump will need to rally Republican support.