The Next Government Shutdown Is Going To Be About Immigration

Statements put forward by the heads of the House and Senate on Wednesday showed how Congress is possibly moving towards a temporary government shutdown this month. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R La.) visited the Texas-Mexico border to reveal Republican lawmakers' plans to have a full immigration-related bill passed. However, back in Washington, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D N.Y.) stated that such a move was unlikely to take place.

The comments marked their opening public stances of the year, signaling another potential government standoff looming after Congress successfully averted shutdowns in October and November last year. In October, Democrats expressed willingness to forego essential military aid for Ukraine for short-term funding, while in November, the House Republicans, amidst internal party struggle over the Speaker's election, allowed Democrats to pass a bill for government funding.

“Our objective is to first ensure border closure and security, and then work at reducing non-defense discretionary spending," Johnson told reporters in Texas. He also revealed that negotiations had been taking place on most days during the holiday period. However, he maintained that House Republicans are not interested in admitting only parts of their proposed immigration bill, H.R. 2. “We need H.R. 2 because it contains measures to address all these issues, which are interdependent,” he added.

In Washington, Schumer warned House Republicans against excessive demands. As a small group of senators and White House representatives strive to come to terms on a supplemental spending bill encompassing border provisions, as well as aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific area, Schumer stated that if the House insists on H.R. 2, the supplemental spending bill wouldn't see the light of day. He also clarified his aim is to achieve a consensus with Senate Republicans, which he believes the House GOP will endorse.

Although the supplemental bill related to international military aid is separate from the annual spending bills that are due to be passed by January 19, delay in the first negotiation could lead to a combined discussion as we head closer towards the prospect of a government shutdown.

Republican House members display a willingness to shut the government down, viewing it as a sign of commitment to combating illegal immigration. Rep. Warren Davidson (R Ohio), a part of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, expressed in a social media post, "Congress must reject funding this corrupt administration unless border integrity is reinstated. #HR2."

Agencies funded until January 19 include the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Energy, Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development.

When questioned about the House Republicans' readiness to vote for government closure without border alterations, Johnson restated the party's commitment to secure borders and curtail non-defense related expenditure. "It's too early to predict outcomes, but our resolve remains firm in these areas," he commented.

As the 2024 presidential race starts to pick up pace, HuffPost highlights the importance of an informed citizenry for a thriving democracy. HuffPost's journalistic endeavors aim to deliver high-quality news accessible to all, not just those capable of paying for costly news subscriptions. To do so, the organization seeks contributions starting from as low as $1, to continue its in-depth political coverage across different areas.