Lawmakers Face Standoff Over ICE Reforms as Funding Deadline Looms
WASHINGTON - A political impasse has emerged in Washington as Republicans and Democrats in Congress grapple with reforming the nation's immigration enforcement operations, with a critical deadline for funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fast approaching. The current stopgap measure funding DHS is set to expire on February 13, according to CBS News, forcing lawmakers to find a resolution soon.
The disagreement centers on how to manage the administration's immigration enforcement, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection. Congress had previously passed a package of funding measures to reopen the government and fund most agencies through September, but the DHS funding was only extended for a short period to allow for further negotiations.
Meanwhile, other pressing issues are also capturing the attention of the public and lawmakers. According to CBS News, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler criticized former President Donald Trump over a social media post that included a racist animation of Barack and Michelle Obama. Lawler, speaking on ABC News' "This Week," stated, "I think sometimes in our public discourse it is best to just say, 'I'm sorry.'" He added that he was taking the White House's word that the post was a "mistake" made by a staffer.
In other news, a new crew is preparing to launch to the International Space Station. Two Americans, a French astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut are scheduled to blast off Wednesday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, replacing a crew that returned to Earth early due to a medical issue, according to CBS News. The launch is set for 6:01 a.m. EST Wednesday atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Political analysts are also weighing in on the current political climate. David Becker, Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, expressed concerns about potential interference in the upcoming election, according to a CBS News transcript from "Face the Nation." Senator Warner voiced similar concerns, arguing that President Trump is "laying the groundwork to undermine the upcoming election or interfere in it in some way."
In a separate interview on "Face the Nation," Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discussed his concerns about the spread of measles, according to CBS News. He noted that he had previously predicted the outbreak, which has resulted in about 900 reported cases in South Carolina, the largest outbreak since measles was declared eliminated.
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