Democrats reject GOP DHS funding proposal as shutdown continues
US Senate Democrats on Tuesday rejected a Republican proposal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in an attempt to end the department's shutdown, which has stretched into its second month.
The proposal to end the Homeland Security budget stalemate, endorsed by President Donald Trump, would fund all DHS operations except for parts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involved in the administration's deportation crackdown, the New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the plan.
The partial government shutdown has resulted in staffing shortages for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers at some airports.
At a press conference, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters that Democrats would present a counteroffer to Republicans, insisting on reforms to rein in ICE.
The fatal shootings of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal enforcement agents in Minneapolis in January have prompted Democrats to seek changes in how immigration agencies operate.
Over the past few weeks, negotiations between the two parties on immigration enforcement have shown little progress.
The Senate on Friday rejected the DHS funding bill for the fifth time, leaving key operations, including the TSA, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, severely strained.
