Republicans and Democrats moved a scaled-back government funding package forward after presidential intervention, though a brief shutdown now appears unavoidable.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Senate Republicans and Democrats reached a bipartisan agreement Friday to advance a sweeping government funding package, breaking through resistance on both sides of the aisle after direct intervention from President Donald Trump.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., set the stage for a final vote after hours of negotiations aimed at consolidating Republican support. Lawmakers are expected to vote on several amendments before approving the package, which is anticipated to pass the Senate and be sent to the House.
Despite the breakthrough, a partial government shutdown now appears unavoidable. The current funding deadline expires at midnight Friday, and the House is not scheduled to return to session until next week at the earliest.
According to Fox News, the agreement followed discussions between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Thursday. Under the revised plan, the controversial Department of Homeland Security funding bill would be removed from the broader package, and DHS would instead receive a two-week funding extension to prevent an immediate lapse.
Trump urged Senate Republicans to back the deal, warning that “the only thing that can slow our Country down is another long and damaging Government Shutdown.” He said he was working with congressional leaders to fully fund most federal agencies through September while providing a short-term extension for DHS, including the Coast Guard.
“I am working hard with Congress to ensure that we are able to fully fund the Government, without delay,” Trump said, adding that Republicans and Democrats had come together to secure funding for the majority of government operations. He called on lawmakers from both parties to support the compromise with a bipartisan vote.
The shift marked a concession for Senate Republicans, who had pressed ahead with an original six-bill funding package even after Senate Democrats made clear they would not support it if DHS funding remained attached. The revised approach pares the package down to five bills, paired with a short-term continuing resolution for DHS.
While the move virtually guarantees Senate passage, it does not avert a shutdown. Any changes approved by the Senate must still be accepted by the House, which is out of session, and resistance is growing among fiscal conservatives wary of stopgap measures.
Democrats, meanwhile, also voiced concerns. Prior to rallying behind the effort to block the DHS bill, party leaders argued that a continuing resolution could effectively give the Trump administration excessive discretion over immigration enforcement funding.
Renegotiating DHS funding could also pose challenges. Democrats had previously agreed to restrictions included in the original legislation, and some Republicans are reluctant to reopen debate on the bill.
As the Senate presses ahead, the funding fight is expected to continue into next week, with both chambers facing pressure to finalize an agreement while avoiding a prolonged disruption of government operations.