In a late-Friday vote, the US Senate approved a bipartisan government funding package aimed at averting a full federal government shutdown, but lawmakers warned that a short funding lapse this weekend could still occur before the legislation is finalized.
Under this agreement, a significant portion of funds was dedicated to Homeland Security. Moreover, the Congress was granted permission to hold talks on new restrictions on federal immigration raids countrywide.
Meanwhile, in the event of the approaching potential shutdown, sources with knowledge of the matter mentioned that Trump struck this unusual deal with Senate Democrats in response to the two protesters’ deaths that resulted from federal agents’ action in Minneapolis.
Individuals express tension regarding a potential government shutdown
Reports from reliable sources indicated that the Trump-Democrats’ deal mandates that funds allocated to Homeland Security remain at their current level for two weeks while lawmakers examine the Democrats’ requests. These requests include: identifying agents, requiring more warrants, and allowing local authorities to assist in investigating incidents.
Regarding the bill that was recently approved, sources revealed that it passed 71-29 and has now qualified for presentation to the House, which is scheduled to return on Monday next week. This situation indicates a high likelihood that a temporary partial shutdown will be implemented over the weekend until approval is granted.
The news sparked tension among individuals who outlined several impacts of the government shutdown. In an attempt to calm their fears, Trump made clear his intention to prevent a shutdown and encouraged members of both parties to embrace the idea of a much-needed bipartisan ‘YES’ vote.
Nonetheless, some Senate Republicans criticized the president’s concessions, consequently postponing the final vote. Their criticism also suggested that debates would occur over the next two weeks
On the other hand, several Republicans expressed their belief that amendments to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operations are essential, even if they may not reach agreement on all Democratic suggestions.
Meanwhile, amid uncertainties about the fate of a potential government shutdown, Rand Paul, an American politician serving as the junior US senator from Kentucky, commented on the topic. He asserted that, “I think the last few days have shown some improvement,” further adding that, “I feel like the tone has calmed down a bit in Minnesota.”
Democrats raise concerns about the DHS’s funding
Despite Paul’s remarks, furious Democrats have strongly opposed allocating funds to the Department of Homeland Security until new restrictions from Congress are in place. Notably, this limitation is set to be imposed on ICE and other federal agencies participating in enforcement actions.
Concerning this condition raised, Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader in the United States Congress, argued that, “These are not extreme demands. They represent basic standards that the American people expect from law enforcement.”
In the meantime, Democrats have urged the White House to halt city roving patrols and effectively join forces with local police on immigration arrests. This move involves establishing stricter guidelines for warrants.
They also requested a comprehensive set of conduct guidelines to hold agents accountable for violating the rules. To elaborate on this point for better understanding, Schumer mentioned that agents should remove their masks, wear body cameras, and display proper identification, in accordance with standard law enforcement protocols.
