Everything You Need To Know About The End Of The Gov. Shutdown And What's Next
By: Kayla Pasacreta
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill Monday, photo via New York Tiems
Today, the Senate reached a deal to temporarily fund the government and end the government shutdown. The bill passed 81-18, with "no" votes from people like Senator Kristen Gillibrand and Senator Kamala Harris. After a 3-day shutdown, the bill didn't accomplish much. There are still no DACA protections included - which was essentially what Democrats were fighting for. The only "win" Democrats got was a promise on a February 8th DACA vote, which the party didn't have before. Additionally, the Senate was able to secure 6-year funding for Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Of course, Republicans don't have to vote "yes" on the DACA bill - but it would be a political disaster and make Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell look unreliable. Still, the lingering question remains if Republicans in Congress can be trusted to ensure DACA protections. Time is ticking, and protections for Dreamers are needed as soon as possible.
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), publicly stated she does not trust that Republicans are committed to a DACA legislative fix,
“I don’t believe he made any commitment whatsoever and I think it would be foolhardy to believe that he made a commitment,”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, photo via Washington Examiner
Many DACA activists have criticized the Democratic Party, especially Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for "caving" to the Republicans and accepting only words. Gresia Martinez Ross told the NY Times, “To anyone considering such a move, let me clear, promises won’t protect anyone from deportation, because delay means deportation for us,”
It was reported Friday that Chuck Schumer even offered Trump funding for a border wall; something Democrats previously said they would nota accept. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell still insists he is committed to figuring out a DACA fix, "Every day we spend arguing about keeping the lights on is another day we cannot spend negotiating DACA or defense spending or any of our other shared priorities,”
Washington will still have all eyes on Congress as the February 8th date to renegotiate appears.
