House Democrats on Thursday approved a plan to re-open the government without funding President Donald Trump's promised border wall.
The largely party-line votes by the new Democratic majority came after Trump made a surprise appearance at the White House briefing room to pledge a continued fight for his signature campaign promise.
The Democratic package to end the shutdown includes a bill to temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through Feb. 8 as bipartisan talks continue. It was approved, 239-192.
Democrats also approved, 241-190, a separate measure funding the Agriculture, Interior and other departments through Sept. 30.
The homeland security bill is virtually identical to a plan the Senate adopted by voice vote last month. The GOP-controlled House rejected the plan the next day, forcing a partial shutdown.
How They Voted
U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood, Republicans who represent parts of Bloomington-Normal, voted against both measures. Davis called it a “partisan spending bill.”
“I’m disappointed that Speaker Pelosi said (Thursday) morning that she is absolutely unwilling to compromise on funding for border security and instead put a partisan bill on the floor that has no chance of becoming law," Davis said in a statement. "Providing a physical structure along our southern border has been historically bipartisan and it’s what our border agents have said is necessary to help them prevent illegal activity along our southern border.
“We need to end this government shutdown and the only way to do that is if Speaker Pelosi chooses to govern and work with President Trump and Leader McConnell to find a compromise,” he added.
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