Senate votes to end shutdown

The U.S. Senate voted Monday to end the government shutdown, with the immigration debate at the center of the negotiations. After Republicans promised to continue to discuss a legislative solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Democrats agreed to pass a stopgap spending measure.

The Senate measure, which requires approval by the House, will fund the government until Feb. 8. The House is expected to approve the measure Monday afternoon.

The impasse broke after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised Democrats a vote on an immigration bill to protect the estimated 800,000 undocumented youths, known as Dreamers. Democrats and Republicans will have three weeks to negotiate a deal on the Dreamers before the temporary funding measure expires. McConnell promised that if they cannot reach a deal by Feb. 8, “it would be my intention to take up legislation here in the Senate that would address DACA, border security and related issues as well as disaster relief.”

BAL Analysis: Federal agencies and immigration-related services affected by the shutdown should resume after the Senate measure is approved by the House. While the government shutdown may end for now, lawmakers will need to reach an agreement within three weeks or pursue immigration legislation after Feb. 8. BAL will be providing legislative updates shortly.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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