WASHINGTON – Congressional leaders moved closer to resolving a nearly seven-week Department of Homeland Security funding impasse early Thursday morning when the Senate took steps to allow the House of Representatives to vote on a funding measure extending through September 30.
The legislation, which the Senate approved late last week, does not include additional money for immigration enforcement operations that are already well-funded.
House representatives were scheduled to convene at 8:30 a.m., though it remained uncertain whether they would immediately consider the Senate-passed measure.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed an almost empty chamber to advance efforts to resolve the DHS funding standoff. He effectively eliminated a 60-day temporary funding bill that the House had previously approved but lacked sufficient Senate support to advance.
The Senate had dismissed that House measure on Friday before entering recess, signaling clear opposition to the temporary approach.
On Wednesday, Republican leadership from both chambers announced they had negotiated an agreement to finally resolve the DHS shutdown. However, questions remained about whether rank-and-file House Republicans would back the compromise.
If the House approves the Senate version, the legislation would proceed to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
