Senate Reach Deal to Postpone Government Shut Down

Washington, MINA – The US Senate on Monday voted overwhelmingly to end the federal government shutdown that began at midnight Friday, KUNA reported.

Democrats joined Republicans in approving a short-term spending bill that would reopen the government and provide funds through February 8. The government was expected to formally reopen in a matter of hours.

The agreement came after Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell assured Democratic Senate leaders that a Senate vote on immigration policy would be allowed in the coming weeks. Such a vote will be conducted “on a level playing field” with amendments allowed to be brought into the legislation, McConnell said.

It remained unclear whether the Republican-controlled House of Representatives would approve any immigration legislation that emerges from the Senate. It also was unclear what position President Donald Trump, who has zigzagged on many details of immigration law, would take should a bill reach his desk next month.

The Senate vote Monday was 81-18. The Senate still must vote on final passage to send the bill to the House.

Senate Democrats brought on the shutdown at week’s end over the Senate’s refusal to provide legislation that would give the children of illegal immigrants, so-called “dreamers,” a pathway to achieve US citizenship.. .(T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)