Republican amendment endangers US Homeland Security
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., joined by other GOP leaders, from left, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, says the Senate is stuck over a bill funding the Homeland Security Department and overturning President Barack Obamas policies on immigration and insists the next move is up to the House, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. McConnell tried three times last week to pass the House bill, but Senate Democrats blocked each attempt. AP
WASHINGTON, United States A Department of Homeland Security shutdown grew increasingly likely Monday, with lawmakers fighting over funding for the US agency amid a bitter standoff about President Barack Obamas immigration reform plan.
Facing a Friday deadline, Senate Democrats for a fourth time blocked a measure that would fund the department tasked with protecting Americans and securing the border.
Lawmakers want to see DHS fully funded, particularly during the current heightened threat environment.
But the $40 billion bill contains Republican amendments that would repeal Obamas plan to shield millions of people from deportation, changes that Democrats do not support.
With the blame game in full swing, it appeared increasingly likely Congress would fail to fund DHS before the midnight Friday deadline.
Boxed canyon
Were in a bit of a boxed canyon here and I think we all know that, Republican Senator Jeff Flake said after the vote.
Right now, it does seem to be where were headed, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said of a possible shutdown.
All Senate Democrats voted against the measure, along with Republican Dean Heller.
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Republican amendment endangers US Homeland Security