US Government Shutdown Enters Second Week as Funding Standoff Continues
The partial shutdown of the US government is likely to extend into its second week, with no immediate solution in sight. The ongoing standoff between Democrats and Republicans has made it clear that a deal will not be reached by the end of the day on Tuesday.
Despite repeated assurances from House Republican leader Mike Johnson that a funding package would pass by Tuesday, the legislative process is set to begin on Monday afternoon, with lawmakers facing an uphill battle to reach consensus. The revised bill now before the House includes changes demanded by Senate Democrats following two fatal shootings of 37-year-old US citizens by federal immigration agents.
Johnson has expressed confidence in his party's ability to push through a funding measure without Democratic support, citing the need for rule process and logistical challenges posed by ongoing travel disruptions due to a major winter storm. However, House Democrats are refusing to guarantee their votes on the bill unless they have a meaningful role in shaping its content.
The standoff has drawn opposition from both sides of the aisle, with some Democrats refusing to back a short-term funding bill that includes funding for immigration enforcement measures. Representative Ro Khanna stated that he would not support reopening the government under the current terms, citing concerns about the tripling of the budget and the need for reforms.
On the other hand, Jamie Raskin, a Democratic representative from Maryland, expressed willingness to consider a short-term funding bill if certain conditions are met, including changes to rules of engagement for federal immigration agents. However, his stance is conditional, and he emphasized that Congress has alternatives to fund "only" some parts of the government.
The ongoing partial shutdown has caused travel disruptions, economic losses, and concerns about national security, making it a pressing issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. With no clear resolution in sight, lawmakers are facing increasing pressure to find common ground and reach an agreement before the weekend.
The partial shutdown of the US government is likely to extend into its second week, with no immediate solution in sight. The ongoing standoff between Democrats and Republicans has made it clear that a deal will not be reached by the end of the day on Tuesday.
Despite repeated assurances from House Republican leader Mike Johnson that a funding package would pass by Tuesday, the legislative process is set to begin on Monday afternoon, with lawmakers facing an uphill battle to reach consensus. The revised bill now before the House includes changes demanded by Senate Democrats following two fatal shootings of 37-year-old US citizens by federal immigration agents.
Johnson has expressed confidence in his party's ability to push through a funding measure without Democratic support, citing the need for rule process and logistical challenges posed by ongoing travel disruptions due to a major winter storm. However, House Democrats are refusing to guarantee their votes on the bill unless they have a meaningful role in shaping its content.
The standoff has drawn opposition from both sides of the aisle, with some Democrats refusing to back a short-term funding bill that includes funding for immigration enforcement measures. Representative Ro Khanna stated that he would not support reopening the government under the current terms, citing concerns about the tripling of the budget and the need for reforms.
On the other hand, Jamie Raskin, a Democratic representative from Maryland, expressed willingness to consider a short-term funding bill if certain conditions are met, including changes to rules of engagement for federal immigration agents. However, his stance is conditional, and he emphasized that Congress has alternatives to fund "only" some parts of the government.
The ongoing partial shutdown has caused travel disruptions, economic losses, and concerns about national security, making it a pressing issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. With no clear resolution in sight, lawmakers are facing increasing pressure to find common ground and reach an agreement before the weekend.