US Senate clears key hurdle in bid to fund two immigration agencies
Summary
The US Senate passed a measure to fund two immigration agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), using a special procedure that did not need Democrats' approval. The bill now awaits approval from the House of Representatives, but lawmakers have not yet agreed on when to vote on it. The funding aims to keep the agencies operating until the end of President Donald Trump's current term.Key Facts
- The Senate vote was 50 to 48 in favor of funding ICE and CBP.
- Democrats have opposed funding the agencies without reforms after two deadly shootings in Minnesota by agency agents.
- The funding vote did not require Democratic support because Republicans used a procedural rule allowing a simple majority.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE and CBP, has been without full funding since February 15, causing the longest partial government shutdown in US history.
- The shutdown has caused problems like airport security delays due to staff shortages.
- President Trump wants a budget deal signed by June 1 to end the shutdown.
- DHS Secretary Mark Mullin said the department will run out of money to pay employees by early May if no agreement is reached.
- The House of Representatives still needs to approve the Senate’s measures, but there is no set date for the vote.
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