The US is facing the threat of a new shutdown: the main reason has been named
26 January 06:11
In the US, there is a growing risk of another partial government shutdown after Senate Democrats threatened to block a bill to fund federal agencies if it included funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to The Hill.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, opposed funding for DHS, including $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in response to the latest fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Statements and protests among lawmakers arose after the death of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretty during an operation in Minneapolis involving ICE agents, which caused widespread outrage and criticism of law enforcement policies.
Senate Democrats insist they will not support the government funding package if it leaves the DHS budget unchanged and without conditions for oversight. Specifically, the demands include strengthening accountability mechanisms for federal agents and restricting practices that opponents say encourage abuse.
The bill, which provides $64.4 billion for DHS and other services with funding for key ministries and agencies, needs at least 60 votes in the Senate to pass. With Republicans currently controlling the upper house (53 seats), it will be difficult to pass without Democratic support, the publication writes.
The Hill recalls that the current situation arose less than two months after the US experienced its longest shutdown in history in October, which lasted 43 days due to budget disputes and ended with the approval of temporary funding until January 30, 2026.
If a compromise on DHS funding is not reached by the end of January, when current funds are set to run out, some federal agencies may again suspend operations, affecting their activities and services to citizens.
