Senate blocks funding bill that would avert a government shutdown
Government shutdown possibility increases after Senate blocks government funding package
Senate Democrats and seven Republicans who joined them blocked a government funding package that would have triggered a government shutdown.
Although conditions for reaching an agreement seemed likely in the morning, a motion to advance the bill failed by 45 votes a few hours later. 55.
The conservative senators who chose to turn their backs on their party were: Rand Paul, Ted Budd, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Ashley Moody, Rick Scott, and Tommy Tuberville.
The goal of those who voted against the measure is to exclude the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a package that includes five other funding bills whose budget would be used to control Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Democrats are conditioning their support for the budget package proposed by the administration on guarantees that the mass operations implemented by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in several cities across the country will be halted. This is to prevent further confrontations with citizens, as has occurred in Minneapolis.
The list of demands also includes requiring federal agents participating in the detention of undocumented immigrants to stop wearing masks and to wear body cameras.
It should be noted that Republicans need the support of at least seven Democrats in the Senate to avoid a partial shutdown, but they are also known to be considering a plan B to minimize the damage if they fail to achieve their goal.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune reserved the right to call for a new vote later this evening or tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that, should they reach an agreement, the blame for the failure should fall on Republican Thune.
“Let me tell you first: if funding fails, it's Leader Thune's fault.” “It is their responsibility,” he emphasized.
So far, the Pentagon and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation and Housing, as well as the Department of Urban Development,would be the institutions most affected if a government funding package is not approved by the last minute of this Friday.