(DDM) – Eleventh-hour negotiations are underway at the White House as lawmakers rush to prevent a partial government shutdown in the United States.
The scramble follows the Senate’s Thursday vote to block a six-bill funding package, leaving federal agencies at risk of losing funding by the week’s end.
Democrats voted against advancing the funding bill, citing the need for concessions from Republicans and the White House on immigration enforcement policies.
The party has demanded reforms to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices as a condition for their support of the funding package.
Senators from both parties confirmed that discussions have narrowed to one critical issue: how long to extend temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
The temporary extension is intended to provide additional time for lawmakers to negotiate a longer-term deal addressing federal immigration enforcement.
Lawmakers warned that failure to reach an agreement could trigger a costly partial shutdown, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees and critical services.
Capitol Hill sources said negotiations are tense, with Republicans insisting on maintaining strict border security measures in exchange for any Democratic support.
Democratic senators stressed that they will not approve the funding package without binding commitments to reform ICE policies and protect vulnerable immigrant communities.
White House officials are actively mediating between the two parties to prevent a political standoff that could disrupt government operations.
Multiple senators described the situation as precarious, with time running short before key departments risk losing operational funding.
The Department of Homeland Security is particularly at risk, as it oversees border security, immigration processing, and other essential federal functions.
Observers note that government shutdowns have historically caused economic disruption, public service delays, and widespread uncertainty for federal employees and contractors.
Political analysts say the current stalemate reflects deep partisan divisions over immigration policy and budgetary priorities in Congress.
They highlight that the ongoing debate underscores the influence of immigration enforcement in shaping federal funding negotiations.
Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions late into Friday to prevent a shutdown before the new fiscal period begins.
The White House has called on Congress to act quickly, emphasizing that a shutdown would hurt families, disrupt government operations, and undermine national security.
Democrats and Republicans have both indicated willingness to compromise, but they differ on the timeline and scope of DHS funding extensions.
Observers say that the outcome of these negotiations will set the tone for future federal budget talks and could influence political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
Capitol insiders confirm that a resolution may require additional amendments to the six-bill package to satisfy both parties’ demands and prevent a shutdown.
The final agreement remains uncertain as leaders weigh concessions, public opinion, and the potential economic impact of delayed federal funding.
