Republicans use spending clash to highlight immigration issue

GOP senators block stopgap spending bill over immigration provision

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans blocked a stopgap spending bill on Thursday, setting up a potential government shutdown over a disagreement with Democrats over immigration. The bill, which would have kept the government funded through Dec. 16, failed to advance after Republicans objected to a provision that would have lifted a Trump-era cap on the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. each year.

The vote was 48-47, with all Republicans voting against the measure. One Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, also voted against the bill.

Republicans say immigration provision would increase illegal immigration

Republicans argued that the immigration provision would lead to an increase in illegal immigration. They said the provision would allow more people to enter the U.S. without being properly vetted, and would put a strain on the country's resources.

"This bill would reward illegal immigration," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). "It would make it easier for people to come to the United States illegally, and it would make it harder for us to deport them."

Democrats say immigration provision is necessary to protect refugees

Democrats said the immigration provision was necessary to protect refugees fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. They said the Trump-era cap on refugees was cruel and inhumane, and that the U.S. has a moral obligation to help those in need.

"This bill is about protecting refugees," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "These are people who are fleeing violence and persecution, and we have a moral obligation to help them."

Shutdown possible if spending bill not passed by Friday

The government is set to shut down on Friday if a spending bill is not passed by then. A shutdown would furlough hundreds of thousands of federal workers and close non-essential government services.

The last government shutdown was in 2018-19, and it lasted for 35 days. The shutdown caused widespread disruption and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars.

Both sides say they are willing to negotiate

Both Republicans and Democrats have said they are willing to negotiate on the spending bill. However, it is unclear if they will be able to reach an agreement before the Friday deadline.

If a shutdown occurs, it will be the first under President Biden. Biden has said he is committed to avoiding a shutdown, but he has also said he will not accept a spending bill that does not include funding for his priorities, such as immigration reform.