The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bipartisan appropriations package aimed at preventing another prolonged government shutdown. The measure passed 217 to 214, effectively ending the partial federal government shutdown that began Saturday but set up a new debate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The legislation incorporates five full-year appropriations bills and a 10-day extension through Feb. 13 for the Department of Homeland Security, reflecting an agreement forged between congressional leaders and the White House.
For the health care industry, it also extends Medicare coverage of telehealth and hospital-at-home care as well as funding for community health centers.
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The bill will now be sent to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it shortly, ending the partial shutdown that began this weekend after a Senate vote to approve a House funding bill with amendments. Because of Senate changes, the House had to vote again and action was delayed, affecting funding for two-thirds of the government and allowing the shutdown to begin Saturday.
The agreement provides funding for key federal departments including Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Treasury, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development—through the end of September.
The short-term extension to fund the Department of Homeland Security—one of the most debated components—reflects deep disagreements over ICE and Customs and Border Protection operations following the fatal shooting of two Minneapolis residents by federal agents.
Several House representatives on Tuesday insisted that the next 10 days be used to negotiate meaningful ICE reforms, including body-worn cameras, de-escalation training, and protections for U.S. citizens against wrongful detention.