Lawmakers Trade Proposals Ahead of Deadline
The Senate is working against the clock to stop what would be the third government shutdown under President Donald Trump. After talks appeared to stall, negotiations have picked up pace, and both parties now signal cautious optimism.
Over the weekend, Senate Republicans received a list of demands from Democrats regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security. In response, the White House submitted a counterproposal. While details of the latest offer were not immediately clear, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers are actively exchanging proposals, which he described as a positive step.
Still, time is short. Congress must act by Friday to avoid a partial shutdown, and moving legislation through both chambers requires quick coordination.
DHS at the Center of the Dispute
At the heart of the standoff is funding for DHS. Democrats have pushed for a short term extension and policy changes tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Their proposal calls for ICE agents to obtain judicial warrants before certain actions and to display visible identification instead of wearing masks.
Republicans argue that some of these demands go too far. They warn that requiring agents to reveal more personal details could increase the risk of harassment or doxxing.
Thune said another continuing resolution is likely to be introduced soon. However, he noted that the duration of any extension remains under negotiation and depends on progress behind closed doors.
Political Pressure Builds
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Republicans to respond quickly, saying Democrats had offered what he described as reasonable reforms. He stressed that the deadline is approaching fast and that both sides need to show they are serious about compromise.
Earlier, some Republicans questioned whether Democrats were prepared to negotiate in good faith. That perception shifted after Democrats formally submitted legislative language over the weekend.
The White House also emphasized that President Trump wants to keep the government open. According to an administration official, the president has worked with both parties to prevent another drawn out shutdown.
Limited Impact but High Stakes
If a shutdown occurs, it would mainly affect DHS agencies such as FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard. Immigration enforcement operations would continue because they already received significant funding through previous legislation.
Even so, lawmakers warn that any lapse in funding could disrupt national security functions. Senator Katie Britt, who oversees Homeland Security spending, said protecting Americans should remain the top priority during negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Senate schedule adds another layer of urgency. Lawmakers are set to leave Washington later this week for a scheduled recess and international travel, including the Munich Security Conference. Thune has indicated he could delay the break if talks fail to produce progress.
For now, Democrats say they have made their position clear and are waiting for Republicans to respond. Whether the two sides can close the gap before Friday remains uncertain, but negotiations appear to be moving forward.
