US House passes $1.2 trillion spending package to end government shutdown

"Democrats are united in our commitment to compel substantial reform at the Department of Homeland Security. Dramatic changes such as a mask ban, judicial warrant requirement, independent investigations when agents break the law, use of force protocols, mandatory body cameras and an end to the targeting of sensitive locations like houses of worship, schools and hospitals must be part of any full-year appropriations bill, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement after the vote."

"Immigration was a major point of contention. The bill temporarily extends funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but leaves room for lawmakers to negotiate changes and reforms to immigration enforcement in the wake of federal agents killing two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, last month. The spending package only funds DHS for two weeks, through February 13."

Congress approved a $1.2 trillion spending package in the House to end a partial government shutdown, passing 217-214. The bill restores lapsed funding for key federal programs, including Labor and Education departments, and completes 11 annual appropriations through September 30. The measure temporarily funds the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks, through February 13, allowing further negotiation on immigration enforcement reforms after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Twenty-one Republicans opposed the bill while 21 Democrats voted in favor. Democrats demand ICE reforms including warrant requirements, independent investigations, body cameras, and limits on sensitive-location enforcement.

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