Government Shutdown Looms as Democrats Push for DHS Reform
Washington, D.C. — The United States government is facing a potential partial shutdown at the end of the week as Senate Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to multiple news sources. The deadlock comes amid growing outcry over the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement tactics, particularly after federal officers shot and killed a second U.S. citizen in Minneapolis this month, Time reported.
Senate Democrats are objecting to a six-bill appropriations package that includes DHS funding unless significant changes are made, NPR News noted. They are signaling a willingness to block the bill's passage, even if it leads to a government shutdown, according to Time. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was seen meeting with fellow Democrats to discuss strategy, NPR News reported.
The potential shutdown would occur just months after the country emerged from the longest shutdown in its history, Time noted. Funding for several federal agencies is set to expire after midnight on Friday.
Democrats are seeking to reform DHS, and some Republicans are open to their demands, according to NPR News. However, the specific reforms being sought were not detailed in the provided sources.
Meanwhile, House Republicans have proposed sweeping changes to voting laws ahead of the fall midterm elections, Time reported. The "Make Elections Great Again Act" would impose new requirements for Americans to register and cast their ballots and restrict mail-in and ranked-choice voting. The measure faces an uphill battle due to the Republicans' thin congressional majorities and Democratic opposition, Time noted.
The situation is further complicated by scrutiny surrounding Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with even some Republicans calling for her resignation, Vox reported. The reasons for these calls were not specified in the provided articles.
Adding to the international tensions, the United States appears ready to bomb Iran again, Vox reported. The reasons behind this potential action were not detailed in the provided sources.
The Senate still needs to vote on the plan announced by Senate Democrats, and the House, which is in recess until Monday, needs to consider the legislation, NPR News reported. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a shutdown can be averted and whether any progress can be made on DHS reform.
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