U.S. News
Partial Shutdown Freezes DHS Funding Dispute
Clear Facts
- A partial government shutdown began just after midnight Saturday, leaving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without funding as Congress failed to reach a deal.
- Roughly 90% of DHS workers, including TSA agents and Coast Guard personnel, will continue working without pay until lawmakers agree on a plan.
- Key disputes center on reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which Democrats are demanding as part of any funding agreement.
Congress has funded most federal agencies, but the DHS is halted due to political inaction.
Workers including 64,000 TSA agents and 56,000 Coast Guard members are staying on the job without pay, expected to be compensated once the shutdown ends.
“It’s our expectation that we will respond to the unserious offer that Republicans have made that clearly omits things that need to happen,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said during a press conference.
The White House and Congress have exchanged proposals, but Republicans maintain that many Democrat-backed reforms, such as restricting ICE activities, are unacceptable.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated lawmakers are on standby and encouraged by ongoing negotiations, should a resolution be reached.
“Every iteration of this gets a step closer, because I think the White House is giving more and more ground on some of these key issues,” Thune said.
Democrats insist any agreement must require ICE to follow policies consistent with other law enforcement agencies.
“Again, the only — the fundamental ask is that ICE abide by the same principles and policies of every other police force in the country, and if we can get there, then we can resolve the problem,” Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said.
Lawmakers in both chambers have been directed to be ready to return to Washington within 24 to 48 hours should a solution be found.
Stay informed as this story develops and impacts government operations.
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