Yesterday we reported that the Republicans and the Democrats in the United States are currently quite busy trying to resolve their differences and reach a deal acceptable to both sides that will ensure the 2019 budget will be approved before another shutdown takes place. Today it became clear that they managed to reach a preliminary agreement.
The deal as it currently stands does not respect the Democrats’ initial demand for a bed cap on illegal immigrant detention centers. There will still be a reduction as per their request, just a more modest one, which they hope to continue lowering gradually over the next few months. Moreover, Democrats have made further compromises by offering $1.375 billion for partial fencing of some sections of the border with Mexico. This is almost five times less than the amount that Trump demanded, though it should be notes that Trump’s plan also does not cover the whole border. The proposal is not yet final, as there are still details to be clarified and it needs to be voted on.
More importantly, the President hasn’t said anything about the deal yet. He can still reject it if he finds it unsatisfactory and tip the scales towards another shutdown.
