Government shutdown nears possible end as funding fight turns to the House
Beyond the immediate task of funding the government, this approach also sets a short timetable for negotiating funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has been at the center of the spending fight.
The two-week funding measure for DHS, championed by Democrats, means the two parties have little time to reach an agreement on how to reform the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
Following two deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democrats demanded a number of reforms, including ending roving patrols and strengthening rules governing the use of warrants, as well as requiring ICE to coordinate with state and local law enforcement. They also demanded a uniform code of conduct and accountability to hold federal officers to the same use-of-force policies as state and local law enforcement, as well as a “no mask, body cameras on” policy for federal officers.
Republicans had called for a longer negotiation period, with a continuing resolution of up to six weeks for DHS. And Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters after the Senate approved the funding plan last week that it would be “really, really difficult to get anything done.”
“We will remain hopeful, but there are some pretty significant differences of opinion,” Thune said.
Johnson appeared more optimistic Sunday that a resolution could be reached on short notice.
“I need to get everyone in a room and sort this out. I think we can do it,” Johnson said on “Fox News Sunday.”
The speaker pointed out that some of the demands made by Democrats are supported by Republicans, such as ending roving patrols and requiring body cameras. But other issues, such as requiring federal agents not to wear masks and to identify themselves, would face opposition.
“The head of DHS and the head of operations in Minnesota and the president himself have said we’re close to getting there,” Johnson said of the negotiations. “We can agree to some of these conditions, because everyone, all the American people, want the law to be implemented and enforced in a meaningful, effective and efficient way.”
