Senate Passes DHS Funding Bill, Ending Shutdown

0:00The Senate passed the bill early Friday, funding most of the Department of Homeland Security around 2.30 a.m. eastern time on a voice vote. This move sends the measure to the House and could wrap up the government's shutdown that kicked off in mid-February, sparing more pain for federal, workers and travelers. The stalemate started when Democrats pushed for tighter rules on immigration enforcement, sparked by the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. The approved bill skips money for immigration and customs enforcement and border patrol since those agencies already got billions from a prior. Republican Package Lawmakers from both sides traded blame amid the chaos, with Republicans accusing Democrats of dodging real reforms and playing politics, while Democrats said the hold-up came from refusing basic changes like body cameras and limits on enforcement in schools and hospitals. Tens of thousands of workers missed paychecks and airport security lines stretched for hours. Now the bill heads to the House, where votes could happen today or over the weekend before recess.

1:04President Trump plans in order to cover pay for transportation security administration staff using funds from a recent tax bill, though he has not. Commented on signing the full measure. Republicans promised more immigration funding and deportations later this year through a fast-track process, needing only a simple majority, keeping the. Immigration fight alive as both chambers, amid term elections. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news.