The United States is heading for a partial government shutdown. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is threatening to block a major budget package as long as Republicans continue to allocate money for the Department of Homeland Security.
The political confrontation follows a deadly shooting by a border agent in Minnesota, which has further fueled the debate over immigration and federal power.
Tensions are rising as the deadline for new government funding approaches. Without adjustments to the bill, a shutdown is likely that could affect millions of Americans.
Political blockade after shooting in Minnesota
Schumer announced that Democrats will not support the massive spending package next week if funding for Homeland Security is not cut. His announcement came on the same day a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a U.S. intensive care nurse during protests against immigration policies in Minnesota. The victim has been identified by local authorities as Alex Pretti.
The shooting has further escalated the already heated debate over the role of immigration authorities. According to Schumer, previous attempts by Democrats to implement budget reforms have been ignored. As a result, the bill would contain insufficient safeguards to tackle abuses at immigration services.
Shutdown affects several ministries and employees
The Democratic opposition has consequences that extend beyond Homeland Security. The budgets for Defense, Labor, Education, Foreign Affairs, Finance and Public Health are also at stake. A shutdown could cause delays in economic reports, including figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many essential workers, such as military personnel and airport security guards, would then have to continue working without an immediate salary. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol employees appear to be out of harm’s way. They would be paid through additional funds from a tax law signed by President Donald Trump last year.
Senate under pressure towards deadline
The House of Representatives has already passed the bill and is in recess until after the deadline at the end of this month. Changes, such as disconnecting Homeland Security, would mean the House would have to come back for another vote.
Meanwhile, divisions are growing within the Senate. Several moderate Democrats have said they do not support the proposal in its current form. Some Republicans are also critical and are calling for additional investigation into the violence by federal agents in Minnesota. With an expected snowstorm and the looming deadline, the time to reach a compromise is becoming increasingly tight.
Source: https://newsbit.nl/amerikaanse-overheid-dreigt-te-sluiten-na-dodelijke-schietpartij-in-minnesota/
