Funding Package Stalls as Congress Faces Shutdown Risk
The government’s funding proposal did not progress on Thursday as Congress works to prevent a partial shutdown.
The Senate voted 55-45 against advancing six spending bills that would allocate funds to several federal departments, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Defense.
If an agreement isn’t reached by Friday, a partial government shutdown could occur.
Following the House’s passage of the appropriations bill, it went into recess. The Senate seemed ready to approve the spending bill, but the recent death of protester Alex Preti in Minneapolis adds an additional layer of complexity.
Democrats are currently hesitant to support the spending bills unless they include funding for DHS or there’s an agreement from Republicans to tighten regulations on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for “strong legislation to rein in ICE,” urging the Republican majority to take decisive action.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked that negotiations on DHS funding seem to be moving in a positive direction.
Several Republican Senators, including Ted Budd (NC), Ron Johnson (WI), and others, opposed moving forward with the spending bill, with some advocating for restructuring the DHS funding and others pushing for additional spending cuts.
With the House in recess until Monday, and some members indicating intentions to complicate the leadership’s efforts to pass a budget, it seems likely Congress may eventually face a shutdown, albeit temporary. House Republican leaders are expected to gather Thursday to explore their options.
Additionally, there are indications that Democrats may consider providing more votes for short-term spending solutions, but only if they are brief and aimed solely at allowing extra time for negotiations on a new DHS bill.
After the unsuccessful vote, Thune initiated plans for a series of spending bills contingent on a deal between Democrats and the Trump administration.
