Senate Democrats and the White House have successfully negotiated a deal to prevent a partial shutdown of the federal government by separating the funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a broader spending package.
According to a document reviewed by The Associated Press (AP), the agreement aims to fund most of the government through September, while extending DHS funding for two weeks to continue negotiations over new restrictions on President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the operations of ICE.
However, as of Thursday night, approval was delayed as legislative leaders struggled to gather enough votes before the Friday midnight deadline, facing opposition from both parties.
The document indicates that the White House has agreed to decouple Homeland Security funding from the larger spending bill.
Additionally, they have agreed to keep DHS funded for two weeks while Democrats and Republicans debate the conditions proposed by the Democratic Party to curtail federal immigration operations.
President Trump has stated on social media that both parties have "come together" to ensure government funding through September, urging lawmakers for a "bipartisan vote" in favor.
Shortly before midnight on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged ongoing "obstacles on both sides" as he worked alongside Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to secure support.
Among the Republicans dissenting, Senator Lindsey Graham criticized the treatment of ICE agents, claiming they were being unfairly targeted.
The Tense Negotiation Context
The document frames the bipartisan talks within a politically charged atmosphere following the death of protesters at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
Specifically mentioned is a weekend shooting involving Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old in Minnesota, which has prompted bipartisan legislative pressure for an investigation.
Schumer referred to this as "the moment of truth," asserting that the public supports border security but rejects ICE "terrorizing" streets and harming American citizens.
Democratic Demands
According to the document, Democrats are calling for explicit conditions to restrict federal immigration operations, including ending "roving patrols" in cities, coordinating arrests with local law enforcement, imposing stricter rules for detention orders, and establishing a conduct code to ensure accountability when agents breach protocols.
Other demands include requiring agents to "remove masks," use body cameras, and wear proper identification.
Democratic Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota has echoed the call for accountability, stating, "There has to be accountability," as noted in the document.
The text also mentions that Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," announced at a Minneapolis press conference plans to reduce the number of agents in Minnesota, contingent on state authorities' cooperation.
The document cautions that finalizing a comprehensive DHS bill agreement will "likely be challenging," with some Democrats even suggesting blocking the agency absent reform; however, it is deemed unlikely that Republicans will acquiesce to all demands.
The dispute risked causing another government shutdown, following a recent 43-day closure due to a healthcare funding clash between Democrats and Republicans.
Key Questions on the Government Funding Deal
What is the main purpose of the recent agreement between Democrats and the White House?
The agreement aims to prevent a partial government shutdown by separating DHS funding from a broader spending package, allowing time for further negotiation on immigration policy restrictions.
Why was there a delay in the approval of the agreement?
Approval was delayed due to difficulties in securing enough votes from both parties before the deadline, amid resistance from legislators.
What are some of the demands made by Democrats regarding immigration policy?
Democrats demand conditions to limit federal immigration operations, such as ending city patrols, coordinating with local law enforcement, and establishing accountability measures for agent misconduct.