House Democrats approve plan to re-open government
The U.S. House of Representatives, where Democrats now hold a majority, approved legislation on Thursday to end a partial government shutdown that began nearly two weeks ago at several federal agencies and fund the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 8. Under the bills, the departments of State, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Treasury and other agencies would be funded through Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year.
- World
- AFP
- Published Date: 12:00 | 04 January 2019
- Modified Date: 09:28 | 04 January 2019
House Democrats have approved a plan to re-open the government without funding President Donald Trump's promised border wall.
The largely party-line votes by the new Democratic majority came after Trump made a surprise appearance at the White House briefing room to pledge a continued fight for his signature campaign promise.
The Democratic package to end the shutdown includes a bill to temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through Feb. 8 as bipartisan talks continue. It was approved, 239-192.
Democrats also approved, 241-190, a separate measure funding the Agriculture, Interior and other departments through Sept. 30.
The homeland security bill is virtually identical to a plan the Senate adopted by voice vote last month. The GOP-controlled House rejected the plan the next day, forcing a partial shutdown