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Monday, March 18, 2024 | Back issues
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Democrats Draw Up Plan to Reopen Government in 2019

In a bid to end the partial government shutdown early in the new year, House Democrats plan to vote Thursday on a short-term spending plan.

WASHINGTON (CN) - In a bid to end the partial government shutdown early in the new year, House Democrats plan to vote Thursday on a short-term spending plan.

The Democrats' plan, which has been reported by multiple outlets, funds the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 8, while the rest of the federal agencies that have been closed for the past 10 days will receive money through Sept. 30.

Holding steady at the $1.3 billion already set aside for border-security measures, the package does not meet President Donald Trump's demands for funding a wall along the southern border.

But with divided government set to return to Washington with the new year, it is unclear whether the proposal has any prospects of becoming law.

David Popp, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said Trump's support will be a key factor in whether the plan is able to clear the Senate.

"It's simple: The Senate is not going to send something to the president that he won't sign," Popp said.

Republican leadership could take other actions on the bill it receives from the House, such as amending it or starting from scratch, but such a move would then require approval from the House before going to Trump's desk.

The federal government has been partially shut down since Dec. 22 as Trump sticks by his demand for increased funding for a border wall. Democrats have vowed not to provide any money to help fund the key Trump campaign promise.

Democrats take control of the House on Thursday and will hold a 235-199 majority in the chamber. Republicans solidified their control of the Senate in the recent midterms and now enjoy a 53-45 advantage.

Those margins mean Republicans will be able to strike down any unfavorable legislation that comes out of the House, while Democrats will be able to return the favor for anything the Senate can pass.

Categories / Government, Law, Politics

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