Ahead of its two-week recess, the Senate agreed to an off-ramp to end the 42-day partial shutdown that has centered on federal immigration enforcement.
The deal that was approved in a voice vote after 2 a.m. funds all of DHS except ICE and parts of CBP. The legislation did not include most of the reforms to federal immigration enforcement that Democrats demanded after federal officers fatally shot two Americans in Minnesota during Mr. Trump’s immigration crackdown.
There appeared to be some movement in negotiations this week, but talks ultimately fell apart as Democrats said the GOP’s offer to fund all of DHS did not go far enough in meeting their demands.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said his party “held the line.”
“Throughout it all, Senate Democrats stood united — no wavering, no backing down,” he said on the Senate floor after passage. “Senate Democrats were clear: no blank check for a lawless ICE and Border Patrol.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Thursday afternoon that Republicans sent Democrats their “last and final” offer.
Shortly after, the Senate began a procedural vote on DHS funding, which was held open for more than six hours in hopes that there would be a breakthrough in negotiations. The vote ultimately failed.
But Mr. Trump said he would sign an emergency order to pay TSA agents as travelers face long waits in airport security lines, which Thune said alleviated “the immediate pressure” to reach a deal.
Mr. Trump’s announcement appeared to pave the way for ending the impasse, which threatened to cut short the Senate’s recess.
After Friday’s vote, Thune ruled out the possibility of immigration enforcement reforms, telling reporters that Democrats “kissed that opportunity goodbye” by failing to provide funding for those agencies.
“I think that ship has sailed,” he said.
Republicans have vowed to fund immigration enforcement agencies through the reconciliation process, though the strategy is expected to face more hurdles with the GOP’s narrow majority and a lack of Democratic support.
