The partial US government shutdown entered its third day on Monday, with Democrats demanding immigration reforms as part of any deal to reopen the government.
Senate Democrats and Republicans approved five spending bills on Thursday but excluded a sixth bill funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the full fiscal year. Instead, the Senate passed a two-week DHS funding extension, giving lawmakers more time to resolve disputes over the department’s budget.
Democrats push DHS reforms
Democrats want ICE and other immigration agencies to turn on body cameras during operations and to stop using masks. California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna told NBC News that he could not “in good conscience” vote to continue DHS funding after federal agents fatally shot two US citizens in Minnesota.
Funding package moves to the House
The Senate package covers the defence, health, and treasury departments, the federal court system, and other agencies until 30 September 2026. The House of Representatives must approve it before President Donald Trump can sign it into law.
The House Rules Committee plans to meet Monday afternoon to review the legislation. Democrats are expected to oppose the DHS stopgap funding during the procedural rule vote.
Republicans confident of progress
House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News, “We’ll get this done by Tuesday, I’m convinced.” A winter storm and the slim one-vote Republican majority in the House could slow progress.
Protests highlight immigration concerns
Thousands of people protested in Minneapolis against Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, after federal agents fatally shot two US citizens. DHS oversees multiple agencies, including ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service.
Federal agents from ICE and CBP have deployed to Minnesota as part of the crackdown, fueling calls for tighter oversight and reforms.
Source: BBC
Featured photo: USA Today
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