President Donald Trump has signed a government funding bill that brings an end to the partial federal shutdown that began over the weekend, but sets the stage for another contentious debate in Congress.
The $1.2 trillion spending package cleared Congress with a slim 217-214 vote in the House, and was swiftly approved by Trump, who hailed it as a "great victory" for the American people. The bill funds most government agencies through September 30, except for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is set to receive only temporary funding through February 13.
The DHS funding package has become a contentious issue, with Democrats pushing for more restrictions on immigration enforcement and Republicans resisting what they see as an attempt to undermine the agency's authority. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Democrats would not support any further temporary funding for Homeland Security without significant changes to its immigration operations, raising the prospect of another shutdown.
"This bill is a great victory for the American people," Trump said. "We need dramatic change in order to make sure that ICE and other agencies within the department of Homeland Security are conducting themselves like every other law enforcement organization in the country." However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism about an agreement being reached by the deadline.
The funding bill has provisions that appealed to both parties, including measures to support nutrition assistance programs and ensure fully operating national parks and historic sites. Despite these concessions, the bill's passage highlights ongoing divisions between Democrats and Republicans over immigration policy and enforcement.
As lawmakers begin negotiations on the temporary DHS funding package, it is clear that more intense debates are ahead. The fate of millions of Americans dependent on government services hangs in the balance, with many wondering how long the next battle will last.
The $1.2 trillion spending package cleared Congress with a slim 217-214 vote in the House, and was swiftly approved by Trump, who hailed it as a "great victory" for the American people. The bill funds most government agencies through September 30, except for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is set to receive only temporary funding through February 13.
The DHS funding package has become a contentious issue, with Democrats pushing for more restrictions on immigration enforcement and Republicans resisting what they see as an attempt to undermine the agency's authority. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Democrats would not support any further temporary funding for Homeland Security without significant changes to its immigration operations, raising the prospect of another shutdown.
"This bill is a great victory for the American people," Trump said. "We need dramatic change in order to make sure that ICE and other agencies within the department of Homeland Security are conducting themselves like every other law enforcement organization in the country." However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism about an agreement being reached by the deadline.
The funding bill has provisions that appealed to both parties, including measures to support nutrition assistance programs and ensure fully operating national parks and historic sites. Despite these concessions, the bill's passage highlights ongoing divisions between Democrats and Republicans over immigration policy and enforcement.
As lawmakers begin negotiations on the temporary DHS funding package, it is clear that more intense debates are ahead. The fate of millions of Americans dependent on government services hangs in the balance, with many wondering how long the next battle will last.