Top Democrats Push Back on Shutdown Deal
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have rejected President Trump and Republicans’ offer to prevent a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown as the Friday deadline approaches.
On Monday night, both parties stayed mostly silent about the White House counterproposal. Some lawmakers admitted they didn’t even know what it contained. Initially, the quiet seemed like a step toward resolving the funding stalemate, but Schumer and Jeffries quickly criticized the plan.
Democrats Say Proposal Falls Short
In a joint statement, the two Democrats said the GOP outline included neither legislative text nor sufficient detail.
“The initial GOP response is both incomplete and insufficient in addressing Americans’ concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s lawless conduct,” they said. “Democrats await additional detail and text.”
This criticism does not end talks over DHS funding or a short-term continuing resolution (CR), but it slows the momentum that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had described as building over the weekend.
ICE Reform Remains Central
Democrats focus on reining in Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good. They delivered legislative proposals to Republicans on Saturday, but some provisions go too far for GOP lawmakers.
Proposals that require ICE agents to obtain judicial warrants, reveal their identities, and carry identification could expose agents’ personal information. Some Republicans warn this could lead to doxxing and other security risks.
Continuing Resolution Still on the Table
Before Schumer and Jeffries’ public rejection, Republicans already considered another short-term CR for DHS. After the House passed a previous funding deal, lawmakers had only eight days to settle funding for one of the federal government’s most complex agencies.
The looming Friday deadline adds urgency, especially as Congress plans to leave Washington Thursday for a weeklong recess, with many traveling to Germany for the Munich Security Conference.
Thune expects to propose another CR on Tuesday and remains cautiously optimistic that negotiations might lead some Democrats to support a temporary extension.
“We will have to vote on something if additional time is needed, and hopefully Democrats will agree to another extension,” he said.
