Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders struck a deal Monday evening on funding the Department of Homeland Security, two sources familiar with the talks said, paving the way for lawmakers to begin processing the remaining spending bills and avert a government shutdown next weekend.

Details of the deal, which another source characterized as an agreement in principle, were not immediately available.

Funding is set to expire Saturday morning for the departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Labor and Health and Human Services and a host of other agencies. The other five funding bills were effectively settled by the end of last week, with only the Homeland Security bill presenting deep divisions Republicans and Democrats were unable to settle.

Heading into the weekend, negotiators were poised to release a package that includes the five other funding bills and would fund DHS separately on an extended stopgap basis, largely continuing the status quo, before reviving attempts to negotiate a full-year funding bill for the department through the end of September.

Separately, a source familiar with negotiations said the White House and other Democrats wanted more border security and enforcement money, while another source said Republicans wanted to reprioritize DHS funds toward the agency’s core mission, without elaborating.

The pivot back to those negotiations slowed the release of text for all six bills. And it will still be difficult for Congress to move the spending bills since the Appropriations committees have not yet released the legislative text of the bills. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicted he’ll give lawmakers 72 hours to read the text before a vote. The Senate will then require unanimous consent from all members to vote by 11:59 p.m. ET Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown the following day.

The deal is being negotiated by Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the White House and top appropriators in both chambers. Congress, which broke up the process into two, passed the first tranche of bills this month.

The political salience of immigration, particularly among conservatives, presents a land mine for Johnson.

On Monday afternoon, two leaders of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, Reps. Bob Good, R-Va., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued a letter from 41 Republicans demanding that any DHS funding bill include “the core elements of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act,” or President Joe Biden’s immigration policies won’t change, they said.

“Therefore, we ask you to join us in rejecting the appropriations package (or anything similar) slated to be before the House that will directly fund these disastrous policies, and choose instead to stand against this assault on the American people,” they wrote.

The hard-right members are widely expected to vote against the package, and their votes aren’t necessary to create the bipartisan coalition necessary to pass the bill. But those members can create political headaches for Johnson if they’re sufficiently angry about it.

While the two parties have clashed over the appropriate venue for border policy changes — the funding bill or a separate package — the White House has also sought additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other operational needs.

Republicans rejected additional funding for ICE in a bipartisan border deal agreed to by senators and the White House, demanding additional policy changes. But they, too, have demands in the funding bill. The White House has also sought increased flexibility to aid border operations, sources with knowledge of the discussion said. It’s unclear how many of Biden’s requests will make it into the bill.

It’s highly unusual for Congress to continue haggling over government funding nearly half a year into the fiscal year. Funding for fiscal year 2025 is due by the end of September.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Long Island man stabbed roommate to death in fight: cops

Fatal Altercation on Long Island: Man Charged in Roommate’s Stabbing Death

In a tragic turn of events on Long Island, a young man…
Pats demolish Jets 42-10 in latest humiliation for Gang Green

Patriots Dominate Jets with a 42-10 Victory, Adding to New York’s Challenges

December has been a dismal month for the New York Jets, culminating…
Manhunts across America in 2025: Five cases that left cities, campuses and towns on edge

Nationwide Manhunts in 2025: Five High-Profile Cases That Gripped Cities, Campuses, and Towns

This year, across the nation, fugitives transformed peaceful neighborhoods, rural communities, and…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Louis Joliet Mall Incident: Two Juveniles Arrested Amidst Major Disturbance

In Joliet, Illinois, a chaotic scene unfolded at the Louis Joliet Mall…
Martin Scorsese remembers 'beautiful' friendship with late Rob and Michele Reiner

Martin Scorsese Reflects on Cherished Bond with the Late Rob and Michele Reiner

In a poignant reflection, famed filmmaker Martin Scorsese expressed his deep sorrow…
Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson nabs 1,000-yard receiving mark for first time

Wan’Dale Robinson of the Giants Achieves Milestone with First 1,000-Yard Receiving Season

In the vibrant atmosphere of Allegiant Stadium, Wan’Dale Robinson took to the…
Dog deaths, reports of abuse prompt San Francisco, CA police investigation of pet sitter from popular Rover app

San Francisco Police Investigate Shocking Pet Abuse Allegations Linked to Popular Rover App Sitter

In San Francisco, a distressing situation has left numerous California dog owners…
Hamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election

Hamas Establishes New Terror Regime in Gaza: Teen Recruitment Surges Amid Controversial Elections

In the wake of a ceasefire with Israel, Hamas is reportedly using…
Chicago mass shooting, River North: Man killed, 3 others critically injured shooting at LaSalle and Hubbard Street, police say

Tragic River North Shooting: One Dead, Three Critically Injured in Chicago’s Heart

CHICAGO — Authorities in Chicago are currently investigating a fatal shooting that…
NFC North champion Chicago Bears players hit by illness ahead of San Francisco 49ers matchup for NFL playoff home-field advantage

NFC North Champion Chicago Bears Face Health Challenges Prior to Crucial Playoff Home-Field Advantage Clash Against San Francisco 49ers

The Chicago Bears are grappling with a widespread illness affecting at least…
Chicago weather: Dense fog, rain blankets area, Tornado Warning for Kankakee, Newton, Jasper counties amid holiday travel rush

Dense Fog and Rain Sweep Through Chicago Area as Tornado Warning Issued for Kankakee and Nearby Counties During Holiday Travel

CHICAGO – The Windy City and its surrounding areas faced a bout…
Police sergeant denies hearing Luigi Mangione mother's alleged damning statement about CEO killing

Police Sergeant Refutes Claims of Overhearing Key Testimony in CEO Murder Case Involving Luigi Mangione’s Mother

A San Francisco police sergeant has clarified that he was not the…