Last-minute talks are continuing with the White House as leaders on Capitol Hill try to avoid a costly partial government shutdown by the end of the week, reports say. CNN, reports Reporteri.net.
Democrats voted Thursday afternoon against advancing a six-bill funding package as they demand concessions from Republicans and the White House on federal enforcement of immigration laws in exchange for their support.
Hours later, negotiations narrowed to a single sticking point: how long funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be temporarily extended, to allow time for reaching a long-term agreement aimed at curbing the practices of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to several senators from both parties.
The speed with which the talks have progressed underscores the White House’s desire to avoid another shutdown, as well as a tacit acknowledgement by Republicans of the political risks of inaction, amid strong public backlash against ICE’s heavy-handed tactics.
“We hope we don’t have a shutdown,” President Donald Trump said during a cabinet meeting.
“I think we’re getting closer to a solution. I don’t think even the Democrats want to see this.”
Democrats say they will not support a short-term funding extension for DHS that lasts more than two weeks. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is seeking a six-week extension
