House infighting will complicate brewing Senate spending deal

"Privately, some GOP hard-liners are open to the possibility of a DHS stopgap, according to three people granted anonymity to describe internal conversations, with one saying it was 'not an automatic no.' But their support would depend on the length of the stopgap and whether any Democratic policies are included as part of the agreement. That person added that a two-week punt negotiators are discussing would be 'ridiculous.' Ultra-conservatives would prefer one lasting six weeks or longer."

"The Senate talks have revolved around splitting off Homeland Security funding from a larger six-bill package the House sent across the Capitol last week and passing a stopgap measure to keep DHS agencies open while additional strictures on immigration enforcement are negotiated. A White House official granted anonymity to comment on the pending negotiations said Trump 'wants the government to remain open' and confirmed the administration is 'working with both parties to ensure the American people don't have to endure another shutdown.'"

"Democrats want to move in the opposite direction, with Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota calling for a negotiation of 'days, not weeks.' In any scenario, GOP leaders will likely need Trump's involvement to get the DHS stopgap and the remaining five bills passed in the House and signed into law, which would keep the vast majority of federal agencies - including the Pentagon - open through Sept. 30."

Senate negotiators are focusing on separating Homeland Security funding from a larger six-bill House package and passing a stopgap measure to keep DHS agencies funded while immigration enforcement restrictions are debated. The White House says President Trump wants the government to remain open and is working with both parties to avoid a shutdown. Some GOP hard-liners may accept a DHS stopgap depending on its length and included policies, with ultraconservatives preferring six weeks or longer and others rejecting a two-week extension. Democrats seek a short negotiation measured in days. Passage of the remaining appropriations likely requires Trump's involvement and faces slim House margins and Democratic opposition to continuing ICE funding.

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