The U.S. federal government is set for a partial shutdown this weekend as funding expires Friday night. Senate leadership and the White House announced a deal to fund the remaining government agencies and departments, but Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) placed a hold on that deal.
Even if the Senate votes on a deal on Friday, the House would still have to hold a vote, and President Trump would have to sign the bill before it becomes law. The House is not scheduled to return from recess until Monday.
The remaining appropriations bills that must be passed are: Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor/HHS/Education, National Security/State, and Transportation/HUD.
At issue is the Homeland Security bill, which provides funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senate Democrats want changes made to DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices in light of recent events.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has been negotiating with the White House this week on separate votes to secure a possible short-term extension of DHS funding and full fiscal-year funding for the remaining five bills.
President Trump supported that deal in a social media post on Thursday. Senate leadership planned a vote for Thursday night, but it was canceled. That vote would have fast-tracked consideration of the package in advance of the funding deadline. Senate rules require bills to take significant time on the floor unless all Senators agree to accelerated rules that limit opportunities for amendments or changes to the package.
“I hope we can get these issues resolved,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said. “Right now, we got snags on both sides, but tomorrow’s another day.
Agriculture/FDA, Commerce/Justice/Science, Energy/Water, Interior/Environment, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction/VA funding bills are all already passed through Sept. 30.
