BUDGET/DEMS/GOP: “A deal on immigration as part of a new stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown appeared less likely on Wednesday [1-17-18] after a Democratic senator said the White House is making unacceptable demands on immigration measures.
The White House dispatched chief of staff John Kelly to meet with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to ease tensions over the status of ‘Dreamers’ – young Hispanic adults brought to the country illegally when they were children – that is threatening to derail efforts on a temporary funding needed by Friday.
After the meeting, the two sides seemed as far apart as ever.
Government funding currently is being provided through a third temporary measure since the 2018 fiscal year began on Oct. 1. If Congress approves another temporary ‘continuing resolution’ for spending, it will run through Feb. 16.
Agreement on a spending bill also is complicated by disagreements within the Republican Party, which holds majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives.”
-Richard Cowan, “Republicans eye another short-term bill to fund government,” Reuters, Jan. 17, 2018 07:08am