Here’s How Congress Could Avert A Shutdown Amid DHS Funding Fight

The Senate could still strike a deal to avert a government shutdown, as reports indicate that Republicans are warming up to the possibility of splitting Department of Homeland Security funding from the broader spending package. As of Thursday morning, lawmakers are also considering a short-term continuing resolution to fund DHS, which would allow negotiations to proceed without triggering an immediate lapse in funding.

The House is currently out of session after passing six crucial spending bills to keep the government open last week, but the debate over DHS funding has become central to a potential shutdown. The issue was thrust into the national spotlight following the fatal Border Patrol shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Democrats are calling for restrictions on the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said “we’re getting closer” to reaching an agreement that would avert a shutdown, according to the Washington Examiner.

“My hope and expectation is that if the White House and Senate Dems, they work this out, that they’ll be able to produce the votes that are necessary to get it passed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been eager to avoid another government shutdown like last year’s, when Democrats stalled funding negotiations while pushing to extend pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies, a demand that ultimately went unmet.

A White House official told The Daily Wire on background Thursday that “President Trump has been consistent – he wants the government to remain open, and the Administration has been working with both parties to ensure the American people don’t have to endure another shutdown.”

“A shutdown would risk disaster response funding and more vital resources for the American people,” the statement continued.

As of Thursday morning, details of a potential continuing resolution remain scarce, and even if an agreement is reached, a broader fight is likely to erupt in Congress over what conditions, if any, should be attached to DHS funding. The debate would give lawmakers in both parties an opportunity to advance their priorities.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) unveiled his wishlist for immigration policy reforms on Wednesday, calling for an end to masking by federal immigration officers, stopping “roving patrols,” and greater transparency of officers’ identities.

“No more anonymous agents. No more secret operatives,” Schumer said, The Daily Wire reported.

“These are common-sense reforms – ones that Americans know and expect from law enforcement,” he further added.

In the House, Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) warned Democrats on Wednesday against forcing a government shutdown, noting that the spending bills have already passed the lower chamber.

“The facts are simple. These bills were fully negotiated and sent to Democrats in both the House and Senate in the exact form they requested. That was the deal they asked for – and that was the deal they received. Do Democrats really want to shut down the government for the second time in three months? And with what result?” Cole stated.

“A partial government shutdown or continuing resolution does not achieve their objective. It actually gives Congress less authority – and resources for ICE body-worn cameras and deescalation training are lost. What this moment calls for is reason and responsibility, even if it is politically inconvenient,” he continued, noting the impact a shutdown will have on FEMA, military, and air travel, saying that “breaking a negotiated agreement is not leadership – it is abdication.”