US government shutdown: US Government shutdown ends: Trump signs funding deal with Democrats
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Why did the lockdown finally end?
The shutdown ended when President Trump signed the funding bill on Tuesday after it was passed by both houses of Congress. The House approved the bill 217-214 earlier that day, while the Senate passed the bill last week. Trump praised the package as a “major victory for the American people” and emphasized that it continues to fund deportation flights, a key point of contention for Democrats, NBC News reported.
What does the financing agreement actually cover?
The legislation provides full-year funding for the federal government through the end of September, with one notable exception. The Department of Homeland Security will receive funding for only two weeks as Democrats push for changes after two Americans were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. That creates a narrow window for negotiations on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, according to a report by NBC News.
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How close was the House vote?
The House vote highlighted the narrow margins facing Republicans. A procedural vote earlier in the day passed 217-215, without support from Democrats. The vote was kept open after Tennessee Representative John Rose unexpectedly voted against it, along with Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie. Rose later voted “yes,” allowing the legislation to move forward, according to a report by NBC News.
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Where did the Democrats stand on the bill?
Democratic leaders were divided. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the party’s chief funding negotiator in the House, supported the measure and urged her colleagues to do the same. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts voted against it. Democrats postponed the vote by a day after signaling that they would not help expedite the bill, NBC News reported.
The new deadline for DHS funding is February 13, setting the stage for another significant round of negotiations.
FAQ
When does DHS funding expire under the new agreement?
Department of Homeland Security funding will end on February 13.
What did Trump say about the funding package?
He called it “a great victory for the American people” and emphasized continued funding for deportation flights.
