Senate Republicans and Democrats will face off Thursday on two different plans to reopen the government, but both appear doomed to fail.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced a vote on President Trump’s compromise plan, which would reopen closed government departments and agencies and provide $5.7 billion in wall funding. It would also would extend for three years legal protections for “Dreamers” and those who are living here under Temporary Protected Status.
Under a deal he reached with Democrats, he also set up a second vote on legislation that would fund lapsed government appropriations measures until Feb. 8, but without any of the president’s border security and immigration provisions. Both measures include $12.7 billion in disaster aid to states and territories impacted by natural disasters.
Both measures would require 60 votes to advance, making it unlikely either will ultimately pass, as both sides are dug in on their respective plans.
Republicans control 53 votes, and so far there is not a single Democrat pledging to vote for the Trump compromise plan. Democrats would need 13 Republicans to cross the aisle and vote with them to pass the appropriations measure without wall funding, but again, Republicans have signaled they are backing Trump’s plan.
Nonetheless, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., touted the Thursday vote.
“For the first time we will get a vote on whether to open up the government without any decision one way or the other on border security,” Schumer said.
