Senate Democrats and several Republicans on Thursday blocked a major government funding package, with a motion to advance failing 45-55. The measure must clear Congress by 11:59 p.m. Friday to prevent a government shutdown.
The package bundles six spending bills and includes funding for the DHS, which Democrats said needs more work over immigration enforcement. “Republicans in Congress cannot allow this violent status quo to continue. They must work with Democrats on legislation, real legislation, strong legislation to rein ICE in,” said Senate Democratic leaders.
All 47 Senate Democrats opposed advancing the bill, and Republican defections included Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who entered a motion to reconsider. Thune’s late “no” vote could allow senators to bring the package back to the floor quickly.
Because the motion failed, a partial government shutdown is expected to begin Friday if lawmakers make no changes. Any revisions to the DHS funding bill would require House approval, and the House is out of session until Monday.
Republicans signaled they seek compromise, and President Donald Trump said, “I think we’re getting close,” adding, “Hopefully we won’t have a shutdown.” A White House official added that the president “wants the government to remain open, and the administration has been working with both parties to ensure the American people don’t have to endure another shutdown.”
