Democrats, White House strike spending deal that would avert government shutdown

"Politics The two sides have agreed to separate homeland security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund DHS for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for curbs on ICE. WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats and White House have struck a deal to avert a partial government shutdown and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security as they negotiate new restrictions for President Donald Trump's surge of immigration enforcement."

"Trump said in a social media post that "Republicans and Democrats have come together to get the vast majority of the government funded until September," while extending current funding for Homeland Security. He encouraged members of both parties to cast a "much needed Bipartisan 'YES' vote." Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told The Associated Press on Thursday that he had been "vehemently opposed" to breaking up the funding package, but "if it is broken up, we will have to move it as quickly as possible."

"We can't have the government shut down." Democrats have requested a short extension-two weeks or less-and say they are prepared to block the wide-ranging spending bill if their demands aren't met, denying Republicans the votes they need to pass it and potentially triggering a shutdown. Republicans were pushing for a longer extension of the Homeland Security funding, but the two sides were "getting closer," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D."

Democrats and the White House agreed to separate Homeland Security funding from the larger spending package and provide a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security. The temporary funding buys time to negotiate Democratic demands for new limits on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement amid heightened federal immigration enforcement. Democrats blocked a broader DHS funding measure and insist on a short extension or they will withhold votes on the wide-ranging spending bill. Republicans sought a longer extension while party leaders said bipartisan talks were progressing and emphasized avoiding a government shutdown.

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