Deal Nears to End Homeland Security Shutdown

Mullin Confirmed as Homeland Security Chief Amid Shutdown Talks

Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin has been confirmed as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate approved his nomination by a vote of 54 to 45. Most Republicans supported Mullin, with Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky being the only exception. This confirmation comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces a partial shutdown. Lawmakers are still struggling to agree on funding, especially after two American citizens were killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Signs of Progress on Funding Deal

There are new indications that an agreement to end the shutdown may be close. Following a meeting at the White House, Senate Republicans believe President Trump might accept a deal. This potential deal could reopen the Department of Homeland Security even without fully funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This information comes from Republican senators who attended the briefing.

A Shift in Trump’s Stance?

Under the proposed plan, Senate Republicans would seek additional funding for ICE later this year. They plan to use a process called budget reconciliation for this. This marks a significant change for President Trump. He had previously stated he would not agree to any deal unless Congress first passed the “Save America Act.” He urged Republican senators to include this act in the Homeland Security bill, linking it to voter identification and proof of citizenship for voting. He emphasized its importance, even suggesting it be a “gift for Jesus” before the Easter holiday.

Reporter’s Insights on Capitol Hill

Independent journalist Lindsay Keith has been closely following the developments on Capitol Hill. She notes that the situation is becoming difficult to maintain. Long lines at TSA checkpoints at airports are growing longer, especially with spring break and upcoming holidays like Easter and Passover. Keith reports that Republicans feel they have found a way out of the stalemate. They are hopeful something can be resolved by the end of the week, provided Democrats cooperate.

Trump’s Focus on the “Save America Act”

Keith explains that President Trump’s main goal is to ensure Republicans don’t lose focus on his “Save America Act.” He sees it as his key piece of legislation. His concern was that a focus solely on reopening DHS might push his act to the back burner. He wanted to apply enough pressure to prevent this from happening. Additionally, it’s understood that he wanted Mullin’s confirmation to happen before pushing any new initiatives forward.

Optimism Among Republicans

With Mullin’s confirmation, Republicans are feeling more optimistic. They believe the President is now aligned with their strategy. Through budget reconciliation, they think they can pass the “Save America Act” while also addressing the DHS funding. This approach aims to satisfy the President’s primary objective.

Cautious Optimism Amidst Negotiations

Despite the optimism, there is a sense of caution. The President has shown a tendency to change his position, sometimes reacting to negative headlines. This has made Republicans nervous in the past. Keith describes the current mood as cautiously optimistic. She points out that President Trump, as a businessman, negotiates in ways that can sometimes seem unnecessary but are intended to apply pressure. However, after their meeting with the President, Tom Homan, and Markwayne Mullin, Republicans feel confident they have a solution that will please the President and fund DHS.

Looking Ahead

The coming days will be crucial in determining if this potential deal materializes. The pressure is mounting as travel disruptions are expected to worsen. While the President can always shift his opinion, many Republicans involved in the negotiations feel positive about their objectives for the week. The focus remains on finding a resolution that addresses both DHS funding and the President’s legislative priorities.

Source: Deal in the works to end partial shutdown (YouTube)