What's in the bipartisan Senate deal to avoid a shutdown, temporarily fund DHS

Amna Nawaz:

Well, senators are racing to find a solution, as the federal government is once again on the verge of a partial shutdown. This time, there's hope for a bipartisan deal on the key issue, the conduct of ICE and other DHS officers.

Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins has been following it and is here with the latest.

So, Lisa, a day away from another partial shutdown, where do things stand?

Lisa Desjardins:

We have news. We have breaking news, in fact.

Per multiple sources, there is a deal on the table now between Republicans and Democrats. As I speak to you, what's happening in the U.S. Senate, they're going through a process called hotlining, meaning especially Republican senators, they go along with a fast-track vote on all of this as soon as tonight.

So let's talk about what's in this potential deal, first of all. OK, now, this would fund the five agencies involved that need funding, all but DHS, for full funding for the rest of the fiscal year. DHS would be taken out and it would get two weeks of funding instead, a short-term funding deal for DHS for two weeks.

That would allow then, in the meanwhile, time for lawmakers to work out a potential deal on ICE and DHS conduct. Now, this is a breakthrough. And I am told that the White House has been part of this negotiating all along, so we think the president is on board as well.

But there are still issues ahead of this. This is not necessarily easy. First of all, some Senate Republicans do have concerns, are skeptical about the spending, including earmarks, in this package and how ICE is treated. In addition, there is Speaker Johnson. His office confirms to me that he has concerns about this short-term Homeland Security fix.

Now, at the same time, the House is not even in session, Amna. And I don't need to remind you and our viewers, but I will. The deadline is tomorrow. So all of this needs approval not just by the Senate, but also by the House.

So let's imagine a best-case scenario. The Senate passes this deal tonight. That's still not sure, but tonight or tomorrow.The House still has to do it. So, right now, we will have a partial government shutdown, at least over the weekend. And we don't know how much farther than that. It depends a lot about when the House can come back and if this deal does get through the Senate.

Amna Nawaz:

OK, so a possible deal, some signs of hope, but still a potential partial shutdown over the weekend.

Walk us through what that looks like.

Lisa Desjardins:

Yes, let's remind people, first of all, Congress already passed funding for itself, for parks and a slew of agencies, but 70 percent of what it governs is still waiting for funding.

So let's take a look at exactly what that means. This is the list, a lot of big agencies, Homeland Security, Defense, HHS. The hope, of course, is that most of these would be funded and, again, DHS would be taken out of the package for its own bill.

So what would a partial shutdown mean for Homeland Security? You may be surprised. ICE, for example, is already funded. So is CBP by a surge in funding that happened last summer. How about the other parts of Homeland Security? Look at that. FEMA, that has reserves. TSA, and also the Coast Guard, those agents, people working for those agencies are paid until February 13.

So what's the bottom line here? It's good news for these agencies and that any shutdown weekend or more would be a minimal effect shutdown. But it sort of takes pressure off of lawmakers, but important for all these agencies to know where they're at.

Amna Nawaz:

Meanwhile, Lisa, you reported on the shift you have heard among senators on working towards a deal. This is a big shift for the White House, for President Trump to want to work towards compromise and a deal. What's your reporting on why?

Lisa Desjardins:

This takes us back to other times, where you would see a White House engaging and sort of open to compromise in a way that we haven't seen from this Trump administration.

Yes, I think it's the reality on the ground that mattered, the videos of Americans and how they were treated, especially Alex Pretti. And, today, I think we heard about -- from Democrats constitutional questions. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries brought up this idea that search and seizure protections had been on the line and affected Republicans as well.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY):

These extremists seem to believe that the Fourth Amendment does not apply to DHS enforcement activity. They have lost their minds. And the American people know it.

Lisa Desjardins:

Now, where we are tonight, of course, is that we're hoping for this deal or many who are on board want this deal for funding. If they get this deal, then we will have a two-week conversation about what needs to happen with ICE and DHS themselves.

And we know that will be, again, a hard conversation.

Amna Nawaz:

Very big thanks to you, Lisa, and a very happy birthday to you as well on this day.

Lisa Desjardins:

Oh, thank you very much.

Amna Nawaz:

Lisa Desjardins.

Lisa Desjardins:

It's a birthday miracle.

(Laughter)