GOP Leaders Unveil DHS Funding Deal to End Shutdown
Republican leaders have reached an agreement to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding immigration enforcement, potentially ending the longest DHS shutdown in US history.
In a move aimed at resolving the prolonged partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Republican leaders in Congress have agreed to advance legislation that would fund the majority of the agency's operations, with the notable exception of those related to immigration enforcement.
This pact, if enacted, could potentially conclude the longest such funding lapse in US history, which last month caused security lines to stretch for hours at some airports as employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a subagency of DHS, quit their jobs or called out of work after going weeks without pay.
The proposed legislation, which has garnered the support of Republican leaders, would provide funding for most DHS functions, including critical homeland security and disaster response efforts, while excluding allocations for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and other immigration enforcement activities.
This compromise represents a notable concession from Republicans, who had previously insisted on maintaining full funding for ICE and other immigration enforcement initiatives as part of any DHS funding deal.
The proposed agreement comes as the DHS shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, has become the longest partial government shutdown in US history, surpassing the 21-day impasse that occurred in 1995-1996.
The extended funding lapse has had widespread consequences, with TSA agents and other DHS employees forced to work without pay, leading to increased absenteeism and long security lines at airports across the country.
By reaching this compromise, Republican leaders hope to bring an end to the ongoing DHS shutdown and restore full funding for the agency's critical homeland security and disaster response functions, while addressing Democratic concerns over the continued funding of immigration enforcement efforts.
The move represents a potential breakthrough in the protracted political standoff, and if successfully implemented, could provide much-needed relief to both DHS employees and the traveling public affected by the disruptions caused by the funding lapse.
Source: The Guardian
