Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says three major disagreements remain unresolved in negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, prolonging a partial government shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers without pay.
Schumer told reporters that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are close to an agreement, but a few core policy differences continue to block a final deal. He did not detail all points of contention, but indicated they involve immigration enforcement, border security measures, and conditions attached to DHS funding.
The impasse has triggered widespread furloughs across multiple agencies within DHS, forcing many employees to work without pay or to remain at home until funding is restored. The shutdown has added strain to operations at agencies responsible for border security, immigration processing and other key homeland functions.
Schumer characterized the disagreements as “fixable” and said negotiators are continuing discussions in hopes of resolving them soon. He expressed confidence that bipartisan compromise is still possible, even as the lapse in appropriations enters its second week.
Republican leaders have cited their own priorities for DHS funding, including stricter border measures, while Democrats seek protections for certain immigrant populations as part of any agreement. The negotiations have played out under intense public scrutiny as federal workers and agency leaders press for a resolution.
As talks continue, lawmakers are under pressure from colleagues and constituents to pass legislation that would reopen government operations and restore pay for furloughed employees. Federal agencies affected by the shutdown include Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and other DHS components.