The “Schumer Shutdown” is heading to an end after enough Senate Democrats have decided to agree to a deal that would extend budget talks for three weeks.
Democrats had previously taken the country hostage over demands that protections for DACA “dreamers” be included in the bill, leading to a three day government shutdown.
Republicans tried hard to get Democrat support, even including 6 years of funding for SCHIP, a program that helps poor children with medical needs.
The change of heart is a sign that shutting the government down and hurting our military and poor kids on behalf of illegal immigrants may not be a smart political move for the Dems.
According to NBC News:
“The three-day government shutdown is on the verge of ending as Senate Democrats signaled there were enough votes to pass a three-week extension of funding in exchange for assurances that Republicans would take up a larger immigration bill in that time.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the agreement shortly ahead of the vote: “After several discussions, offers, counter-offers, the Republican leader and I have come to an arrangement. We will vote today to reopen the government to continue negotiating a global agreement, with the commitment that, if an agreement isn’t reached by February 8, the Senate will immediately proceed to consideration of legislation dealing with DACA.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had scheduled a vote for noon on the short-term funding proposal with a pledge to continue working on immigration issues, but Democrats had questioned his commitment, After a morning caucus meeting, they said they had enough assurances to put together the 60 votes needed to pass it.
