Trump reaches agreement with Senate Democrats to fund DHS for two weeks and avert a government shutdown

Donald Trump reached a deal with Senate Democrats to avoid the government shutdown. This was reported by The New York Times, from where they noted that the deal funds the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks so lawmakers can negotiate a more labored appropriation, with federal immigration agents at the center of the controversy.

"Republicans had pushed to fund the department for several weeks, but Democrats insisted on a shorter-term measure. It is unclear how quickly the House can and will process those funding bills after the Senate passes them. The shutdown deadline is midnight on Friday," they explained from the NYT.

In recent weeks, Congress approved almost all the appropriations needed to fund the government and avoid a shutdown, as happened in November. However, controversy over the operations ofImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) complicated Democratic votes in the Senate. The situation prompted another government shutdown as a possibility. Congress has until midnight Friday to approve the remaining appropriations.

The national security chapter was passed by the House of Representatives on Jan. 22. Precisely, it was the one with the closest vote: 220 to 207.

In terms of content, the appropriations bill maintains last year's spending for ICE and allocates $20 million for the purchase and operation of body cameras for ICE and CBP agents. It also restricts the ability of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to allocate federal funds on a discretionary basis. Seven House Democrats voted with Republicans to approve it.

It also includes numerous reporting requirements that, if not met, would stop the flow of money to immigration operations.

With the agreement between Trump and Senate Democrats, it is unclear whether the current bill to fund DHS will undergo modifications, which would have to come back to the House for approval.

Due to Senate rules, Republicans need to reach 60 votes to avoid a shutdown, which translates to at least seven Democratic votes.