Talks to avert a US government shutdown have intensified in Washington DC, with officials reportedly moving towards an agreement in negotiations over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operation. Democrats have been pushing to remove funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a $1.2 trillion government spending package following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday.
US media report that the White House and Senate Democratic leadership are nearing an agreement which would meet Democratic demands to introduce new restrictions on federal immigration agents. It would mean five of the six spending bills could be passed before the Friday deadline, while the DHS one would get a short-term extension to allow time for more discussion on the proposed new restrictions, like around the use of masks by agents.
If no deal is struck, the second shutdown within months will begin at one minute after midnight on Friday, January 30. The spending bill has already passed in the House of Representatives, but needs 60 Senate votes to advance. Among the changes Democrats are seeking are requirements that federal agents obtain warrants before making arrests and clearer rules governing how they identify themselves.
Earlier this week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said: 'I will vote no on any legislation that funds ICE until it is reined in and overhauled, and Senate Democrats are overwhelmingly united on this issue.' Meanwhile, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune has emphasized that 'productive' negotiations are underway. If changes are made, the bill will need to be re-approved by the House, which is currently on recess. As discussions progress, the potential impact of a government shutdown looms large, with many federal operations at stake.
US media report that the White House and Senate Democratic leadership are nearing an agreement which would meet Democratic demands to introduce new restrictions on federal immigration agents. It would mean five of the six spending bills could be passed before the Friday deadline, while the DHS one would get a short-term extension to allow time for more discussion on the proposed new restrictions, like around the use of masks by agents.
If no deal is struck, the second shutdown within months will begin at one minute after midnight on Friday, January 30. The spending bill has already passed in the House of Representatives, but needs 60 Senate votes to advance. Among the changes Democrats are seeking are requirements that federal agents obtain warrants before making arrests and clearer rules governing how they identify themselves.
Earlier this week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said: 'I will vote no on any legislation that funds ICE until it is reined in and overhauled, and Senate Democrats are overwhelmingly united on this issue.' Meanwhile, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune has emphasized that 'productive' negotiations are underway. If changes are made, the bill will need to be re-approved by the House, which is currently on recess. As discussions progress, the potential impact of a government shutdown looms large, with many federal operations at stake.
