The partial government shutdown over Homeland Security funding continues into its second week, complicated by potential military action against Iran and the upcoming State of the Union address.
The funding standoff over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains unresolved as Congress grapples with multiple pressing issues in Washington. The current partial government shutdown has stretched into its tenth day, with Senate Democrats and the White House at an impasse regarding funding. Recent negotiations have seen little progress, and neither side appears willing to compromise.
Former President Donald Trump, who previously played a crucial role in negotiating a funding agreement with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in January, has not been directly involved in the latest discussions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump has not engaged in any direct conversations or correspondence with congressional Democrats recently. Instead, she emphasized that the White House and its representatives are managing the dialogue.
Leavitt attributed the shutdown to Democratic actions, claiming, “They have chosen to act against the American people for political reasons.” In response, Senate Democrats presented a counterproposal to the White House’s offer, which was swiftly dismissed as “unserious” by Leavitt. This ongoing shutdown marks the third during Trump’s second term, and there is no indication that either side is eager to resolve the situation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed some optimism regarding negotiations, stating there is “some room for give and take.” However, he reaffirmed the GOP’s stance against requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to obtain judicial warrants or implement other reforms sought by Democrats, which could potentially increase risks for agents in the field.
“I felt like the last offer the White House put out there was a really — it was a good faith one, and it was clear to me that they’re attempting, in every way, to try and land this thing so we can get DHS funded,” Thune remarked.
Funding the DHS remains a priority for the Senate, but winter storms affecting the East Coast have delayed a vote on the original spending bill until Tuesday night, just ahead of Trump’s State of the Union address.
In addition to the shutdown, other significant issues are complicating negotiations, including the potential for military conflict with Iran and Trump’s desire to advance tariffs without congressional approval. On Friday, Trump indicated that he was “considering” a limited military strike against Iran, a prospect that has raised concerns among some lawmakers who are calling for congressional input on any military action.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., announced that he has prepared a war powers resolution aimed at blocking an attack on Iran. He challenged his colleagues to take a stand on the issue, stating, “If some of my colleagues support war, then they should have the guts to vote for the war and to be held accountable by their constituents, rather than hiding under their desks.”
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that undermined Trump’s extensive duties, the former president is also contemplating bypassing Congress to implement a new set of global tariffs at a rate of 10%. This development has led to mixed reactions within the Republican Party, with some members quietly celebrating the end of previous tariffs while others remain open to collaborating with the administration on future trade policies.
A Republican aide noted that the GOP is “waiting to see what POTUS does next” regarding tariffs, adding, “The State of the Union should be interesting.” As Congress continues to navigate these complex issues, the implications of the ongoing shutdown and potential military action loom large over the political landscape.
According to Fox News, the situation remains fluid as lawmakers attempt to balance their priorities amid the shutdown and other pressing matters.