Senate Democrats hit the brakes on a major funding bill Thursday, blocking money for the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies. The 45-55 vote brings Washington dangerously close to a partial government shutdown, as current funding is set to run out this Friday.
The main sticking point right now is immigration. Tensions are running high following the deaths of two protesters involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
In response, Democrats are demanding new, stricter rules for President Trump’s immigration enforcement teams. Their list of demands includes requiring officers to stop wearing masks, clearly identify themselves, and obtain warrants before making arrests.
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Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer drew a line in the sand, stating his party won’t provide the necessary votes until Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is “reined in and overhauled.” He called the situation a “moment of truth.”
Despite the standoff, there is still some hope a shutdown can be avoided. President Trump mentioned just before the vote that “we don’t want a shutdown.”
To buy more time, both Republicans and Democrats are discussing a temporary deal.
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This would likely involve separating the homeland security funding from the rest of the bill to keep the government running for a short period while negotiations continue.
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