Border funding fight threatens budget deadline, shutdown days away

Congressional leaders and the White House are currently engaged in negotiations to finalize a deal aiming to keep much of the government open beyond the deadline on Friday, March 22. Sources familiar with the talks told CNN that failure to reach an agreement could result in a shutdown for major agencies.

One of the primary challenges in these negotiations is the funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly given the heightened focus on security at the southern border amid the ongoing 2024 campaign. This sticking point has created a sense of urgency, with the need to navigate the legislative process even if an agreement on DHS funding is reached.

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Originally, lawmakers were trying to release the bill text on Sunday, March 17. However, it appears increasingly likely that the language may not be unveiled until Tuesday, March 19, at the earliest. This delay comes despite Congress passing a package of six bills earlier in March to fund various government agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Several government operations, including those within the departments of Defense, Labor and Education, require funding by the end of the day on Friday, March 22.

The current fiscal year began over five months ago on Oct. 1, 2023, and lawmakers have faced multiple fiscal deadlines due to short-term extensions. Under House GOP rules, there is a requirement of 72 hours for members to review bill text, potentially leading to weekend sessions to pass the bills after the March 22 deadline has passed.

Sources familiar with the negotiations told CNN that negotiators were prepared to move forward with a one-year stopgap measure for DHS funding over the weekend. However, the White House, pushing for a full-year spending bill late in the process, has slowed down the talks.

The situation is further complicated by disagreements over immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats are reportedly advocating for more funding for pay equity for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), while Republicans seek increased funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) detention and enforcement efforts.