Partial shutdown in the US: Democrats blocked a quick exit from it

House Democrats have told GOP leaders they won’t help pass a government funding package through a fast-track process.

Source: The Hill with reference to a source familiar with the situation

Details: As the publication writes, this decision significantly complicated the plan of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, to quickly restore the work of the government.

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Johnson expected to hold a vote under a special procedure that allows laws to be passed more quickly, but requires the support of two-thirds of MPs. That is, 70 Democrats would have to support this vote. After their refusal, this option became impossible.

Now, they will likely have to go through that funding package through the regular process, which will take longer and require near-total discipline among Republicans, who hold a minimum majority.

Democrats have said they will not support an additional $10 billion for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until reform of the agency’s operations is agreed upon. They are calling for limits on ICE’s powers and changes to immigration enforcement practices after a series of incidents, including the deaths of people during operations by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Prehistory:

• Midnight on January 31st, Eastern Time there was a partial shutdown in the USA. It came hours after senators agreed to extend funding for most agencies through September.

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