Senate Democrats Contemplate Deal to Stave Off Partial Government Shutdown
Senate Democrats are currently evaluating a potential agreement that would prevent a partial government shutdown while granting the party additional time to negotiate new restrictions on immigration operations. This development follows the tragic killings of US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, which have intensified calls for reform.
Demands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Reforms
The discussions, confirmed by a Senate aide, emerge after Senate Democrats issued a series of demands concerning federal agents involved in Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign. These demands include a prohibition on wearing masks, the implementation of a strict code of conduct, and independent investigations into any violations. The Democrats have insisted that any funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security must incorporate measures to "rein in ICE."
Delicate Negotiations on Spending Bills
This ultimatum has intersected with sensitive negotiations in the Senate regarding the passage of six critical spending bills. One of these bills funds the DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The goal is to avert a partial government shutdown scheduled to begin after Friday. While talks remain fluid, the proposed deal would involve Democrats voting for a short-term funding measure for DHS. This temporary solution would provide the party with the necessary time to negotiate their proposed reforms, alongside the passage of the five other bills that authorise spending through September for departments including labour, defence, and health and human services.
Key Procedural Vote and Bipartisan Challenges
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to hold a key procedural vote on all six bills on Thursday morning. Previously, Democrats have signalled their intention to vote against this measure, insisting that the DHS funding bill be considered separately from the other five. Senate top Democrat Chuck Schumer emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, "Republicans in Congress cannot allow this violent status quo to continue. They must work with Democrats on legislation, real legislation, strong legislation to rein ICE in." He added that Democrats are prepared to pass five bipartisan funding bills immediately but acknowledged that the DHS bill requires further work.
Any spending legislation must garner at least some bipartisan support to meet the 60-vote threshold required for advancement in the Senate. The House of Representatives approved all six bills last week before adjourning for recess. If the Senate passes a short-term spending measure for DHS, it would need approval from the House, which does not reconvene until Monday. This timeline likely ensures that the department will experience a shutdown, at least over the weekend.
Administration and Republican Responses
A White House official indicated openness to the Democrats' demands, noting on Thursday that the president "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." Similarly, John Thune adopted a conciliatory tone towards the Democrats on Wednesday, telling reporters, "We're anxious to hear what their demands are, what their requests are, what their asks are. I think the administration is willing to sit down with them and have a discussion, perhaps a negotiation about how do we move forward."
Comments from Trump's Border Czar
At a press conference in Minneapolis on Thursday morning, Trump's "border czar" Tom Homan acknowledged that the administration has "recognised that certain improvements could and should be made" in the ongoing immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. However, he did not specify the nature of these improvements or their implementation timeline. Homan remarked, "For the people out there don't like what ICE is doing, if you want certain laws reformed, then take it up with Congress. They're enforcing laws enacted by Congress and signed by president. The same laws have been on the books for the last six presidents I worked for."
Reporting contributions from Shrai Popat in Minneapolis have been included in this coverage.
