Monday, January 28, 2019

In all, from the perspective of those interested in immigration, refugee, homeland security, or human trafficking policy, the week's schedule includes one hearing, five business meetings, one conference committee meeting, and possible floor action on one matter of possible consequence on those subjects.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Today's congressional action occurred in connection with H.J. Res. 28, the “Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019”.  Congress cleared the measure for the President’s consideration on Friday, January 25, 2019, and the President signed it into law later that evening.  The action ended the longest shutdown of portions of the federal government in the nation’s history. 

It was part of a larger deal that requires Congress to convene a conference committee to consider proposals to enhance border security.  That conference committee must report back either the fact that it has reached a compromise or that it has failed to reach one by February 15th.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Friday’s action occurred in connection with H.J. Res. 31, a joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes.  The House approved the House-passed version of the measure on Thursday, January 24, 2919, by a vote of 231-180.  The Senate acted one day later, approving the amended Senate-passed version of the bill by a voice vote.

Immediately following House and Senate passage of the measure, a conference committee was established to iron out an agreement on border security funding, with the goal of completing a deal by February 15, 2019, when stop-gap funding for numerous federal departments, agencies, and functions expires..

Thursday, January 24, 2019

The House passed the measure on Wednesday by a vote of 229-184.  It marked the time the tenth time in the nascent 116th Congress  that the House had passed a measure seeking to reopen all or some of the functions of the federal government that have been shuttered by the standoff between President Trump and congressional Democrats over the President's demand that Congress appropriate $5.7 BILLION to fund the construction of a wall along the border between the United States and Mexico.

Trump Proposes “Compromise” that would Reopen Government, Fund Border Wall, and Enact Temporary Protections for DACA and TPS Beneficiaries

Sunday, January 20, 2019

President Donald J. Trump yesterday proposed a plan to re-open the shuttered departments, agencies, and functions of the federal government. 

The President's plan would require Congress to appropriate $5.7 BILLION in Fiscal Year 2019 funds to construct 234 miles of a "steel barrier system" along the U.S. border with Mexico.  It would, as well, require Congress to appropriate approximately $3 BILLION in additional Fiscal Year 2019 funds for other border security related projects and activities. 

Thursday, January 17, 2019

The two amendments that the House agreed to were offered by Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). 

Thursday, January 3, 2019