President Trump is expected to sign a bill to end the partial US government shutdown after the House of Representatives passed the $1.2 trillion spending package on Tuesday. The measure, approved by a vote of 217-214, brings an end to a four-day standoff and funds the vast majority of the government through September 30.
The legislation includes five full-year spending bills and a short-term funding patch for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 13. This extension allows lawmakers to negotiate potential changes to immigration enforcement operations. Democrats are seeking reforms to how immigration enforcement agencies like ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) conduct their operations.
The bill's passage wasn't without challenges. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson faced hurdles in securing enough Republican support to advance the measure to a final vote. He ultimately convinced a handful of GOP holdouts to support the legislation. Johnson acknowledged the need to address individual members' concerns as part of the legislative process. Trump weighed in on Monday, urging Republicans to remain united and support the bill. He emphasized the importance of avoiding another "long, pointless, and destructive Shutdown".
With the short-term funding extension for DHS, Congress will now focus on negotiating reforms for ICE and CBP (Customs and Border Protection). Senate Democrats plan to present a "detailed" proposal for DHS reforms, potentially including demands for an end to roving patrols, stricter warrant rules, a uniform code of conduct, and the use of body cameras. While Republicans have shown some openness to proposals like body cameras and ending roving patrols, other demands have proven more divisive.
If a deal on immigration enforcement is not reached by February 13, the Department of Homeland Security, including agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), could face another shutdown. However, ICE's operations might continue due to previously allocated funds. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has stated the need for dramatic changes within ICE and DHS.
The current situation arose after a partial government shutdown began on Saturday. The approved spending package wraps up congressional work on 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills. The remaining bill to be finalized covers the Department of Homeland Security, where disagreements over immigration enforcement have been a significant sticking point.