Government To Reopen With Promise Of Negotiations For "Dreamers"

What’s the story?

By mid-day Monday the Senate had agreed to approve government funding for three weeks, ending an approximately 60 hour government shutdown. Agreement was contingent on promises from Republican leadership that protections for so-called "Dreamers" would be negotiated before the three weeks is up on February 8.

Funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), another contentious issue going into the shutdown, is resolved for the time being. It’s been extended for six years, which according to a recent CBO report, means it will basically pay for itself due to saving the government money on healthcare subsidies.

Unresolved is the fate of Dreamers, the president's proposed border wall, and other immigration issues. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) promised legislation negotiations, but no floor vote. However, if no agreement has been struck by February 8, when the continuing resolution runs out, then existing DACA related legislation will be brought to the floor.

Which doesn’t mean it will pass, or even if it does pass the Senate, that it will pass the House.

As well, the issue of defense spending versus domestic spending is still up for debate over the next three weeks. Republicans want a big increase to defense spending without similar increases to domestic spending, which Democrats oppose. And without an agreement to increase budget caps either increase to appropriations would be subject to sequestration, triggering massive spending cuts.

Basically, CHIP is funded and the government will keep the lights on for another three weeks. What happens beyond that, or what may actually get accomplished over the next three weeks is anybody’s guess.

What do you think?

Do you support this continuing resolution or not? Do you think Democrats should have held out longer? Do you think keeping government operating is more important than forcing a deal on DACA? Do you think Republicans should invoke the "nuclear option" so they can pass appropriations with a simple majority vote? What do you think will happen three weeks from now? What do you want to see happen?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker