Senate Democrats have begun secret talks with the White House as a government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) looms on the horizon. The discussions center around "dramatic" changes to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, which includes demands for new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies.
At the heart of these negotiations are Senate Democrats' proposals that require judicial warrants, improve identification procedures for DHS officers, establish new use-of-force standards, and prohibit racial profiling. The party claims that these measures are necessary following two protesters being fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last month.
Despite bipartisan discussions, there remains significant disagreement between the parties on key issues. Republicans have expressed skepticism about finding common ground, with some lawmakers pushing for additional legislation, such as proof-of-citizenship requirements before Americans can register to vote or restrictions on cities that do not crack down on illegal immigration.
The House Democratic Leader has stated that "dramatic changes are needed at the Department of Homeland Security" and that Congress will not provide funding unless enforcement is radically scaled back. This position reflects the intense backlash from Democrats against ICE's aggressive crackdown, which they believe endangers the safety and security of federal agents.
As time runs out, lawmakers in both parties are working to find a middle ground. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed optimism about negotiations, stating that there is "forward progress." However, the White House remains tight-lipped on their specific proposals.
The potential consequences of a DHS shutdown are significant, including disruptions to travel and possible economic impacts. Lawmakers in both parties have discussed possible short-term extensions or separating funding for ICE and Border Patrol from the rest of the department's budget.
Ultimately, the ball is in the Republicans' court as Democrats demand concrete action on their proposals.
At the heart of these negotiations are Senate Democrats' proposals that require judicial warrants, improve identification procedures for DHS officers, establish new use-of-force standards, and prohibit racial profiling. The party claims that these measures are necessary following two protesters being fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last month.
Despite bipartisan discussions, there remains significant disagreement between the parties on key issues. Republicans have expressed skepticism about finding common ground, with some lawmakers pushing for additional legislation, such as proof-of-citizenship requirements before Americans can register to vote or restrictions on cities that do not crack down on illegal immigration.
The House Democratic Leader has stated that "dramatic changes are needed at the Department of Homeland Security" and that Congress will not provide funding unless enforcement is radically scaled back. This position reflects the intense backlash from Democrats against ICE's aggressive crackdown, which they believe endangers the safety and security of federal agents.
As time runs out, lawmakers in both parties are working to find a middle ground. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed optimism about negotiations, stating that there is "forward progress." However, the White House remains tight-lipped on their specific proposals.
The potential consequences of a DHS shutdown are significant, including disruptions to travel and possible economic impacts. Lawmakers in both parties have discussed possible short-term extensions or separating funding for ICE and Border Patrol from the rest of the department's budget.
Ultimately, the ball is in the Republicans' court as Democrats demand concrete action on their proposals.
. Like, can't they just agree already? I'm so sick of these partisan bickering sessions. And what's with all the "dramatic changes" stuff? It sounds like a bunch of empty promises from the Democrats. They're just trying to shift the blame for their own failed policies onto Trump and ICE. Newsflash: if they really cared about public safety, they'd be proposing real solutions, not just vague rhetoric 
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. It's like Thune is trying to sugarcoat the fact that this thing is gonna drag on forever. Meanwhile, the Republicans are still pushing for their own agenda, which basically means more of the same old stuff. Proof-of-citizenship requirements? Are you kidding me? That's just a thinly veiled attempt to disenfranchise voters 
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DHS shutdown looming, hope they can hammer out some common sense 
so it's been like 2 months since those 2 protesters got shot by federal agents and senate democrats are now pushin hard for changes at DHS
meanwhile republicans r all about proof of citizenship before americans can vote 
can't we just have a calm conversation without drama? 
but senate majority leader john thune is lookin all optimistic about negotiations 
fingers crossed he gets it right 'cause a DHS shutdown would be a total disaster 
It doesn't add up. And don't even get me started on the White House bein' tight-lipped about their proposals... shady, man! 
. And what about cities that actually need help dealing with undocumented immigrants? They're already stretched thin as it is 
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. The White House should just open up and share their plans already 
. We don't know what we're getting ourselves into here... 
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. But at the same time, I get why Republicans would be skeptical about finding common ground 
), they can come to a compromise that works for everyone 
and the house democrats are like "no way jose" they wont fund DHS unless there's major changes 2ICE & Border Patrol's enforcement practices