Republicans Plan Budget Reconciliation for Shutdown Resolution

On March 24th, Senate Majority Leader John Dune, a Republican from South Dakota, announced

that his party plans to use budget reconciliation, too, resolve the ongoing partial government

shutdown and advance immigration enforcement.

This approach lets Republicans pass major legislation with just a simple majority in

the Senate by passing Democrat opposition.

After five weeks of stalemate, they're eyeing a focus bill to boost border security funding.

The shift follows a recent White House meeting between President Donald Trump and top

Senate Republicans.

Lawmakers propose splitting efforts into two paths, a quick deal to reopen the Department

of Homeland Security right away, plus a reconciliation.

Package for immigration and customs enforcement operations and election security measures

like voter ID requirements.

Democrats seem ready to go along with the limited funding bill for Homeland Security

that skips some enforcement details.

Now would get key agencies like the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency

Management Agency back up and running.

Easing, strains from the shutdown.

Republicans insist any immediate fix will pair with the bigger reconciliation push, which

could grow to cover defense spending and other national security needs.

Lawmakers are working fast ahead of the upcoming congressional recess to strike this balance

and move forward on their priorities.