‘Conversations are ongoing but this deal seems to be acceptable,’ a White House official told The Epoch Times.
WASHINGTON—Senate Republicans are closing in on a plan to end the impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signaling a potential breakthrough in a weeks-long standoff with Democrats.
The plan would provide money for most DHS operations but notably excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE’s) enforcement and removal activities—one of the central points of contention for Democrats.
Republicans could then seek to fund the remainder of ICE through budget reconciliation, which they could enact through a simple majority rather than the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
The White House appears willing to accept the proposal. The proposal has been sent to Democrats, according to Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) cautiously expressed optimism but said the proposal needs to be in writing.
“I think the deal is possible, but we’re down to that point where, like lots of people are talking, but you got to reduce it to writing, and you’ve got to actually trade paper,” he told reporters.
Coons said he will not support a bill if it does not include reforms to ICE’s detention and deportation operations.
“Conversations are ongoing, but this deal seems to be acceptable,” a White House official told The Epoch Times on March 24.
Momentum toward a deal appeared to build after a group of Republican senators met late Monday at the White House with President Donald Trump. Lawmakers said negotiators were expected to work overnight to finalize details and present formal proposals to both parties during their Tuesday caucus lunches.
“All I can say is that the discussions have been very positive and productive, and hopefully headed in the right direction,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) echoed that sentiment, telling reporters, “Both sides are working in a serious way.”
Trump previously said he would not accept a DHS deal unless it incorporated the SAVE America Act. That bill would require photo identification to vote, as well as proof of citizenship for voter registration. Democrats have vowed to filibuster it.
Thune suggested to reporters that the SAVE Act could be taken up after the two-week Passover and Easter break if the funding deal is secured. The Senate has been debating the bill.
When asked if Trump is comfortable with the DHS funding proposal without the SAVE Act, Graham said, “We’ll see.”
By Jackson Richman and Nathan Worcester
