After a record 43-day government shutdown last summer, Trump pressured Republicans to pass a spending bill and end the shutdown that began last Saturday. He said, "This bill is a huge victory for the American people." He added, "Instead of a massive package full of earmarks for special interests, we managed to pass a financially responsible package that reduces federal spending while supporting vital programs for the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people." Democrats in the House demanded changes to how the Department of Homeland Security conducts operations related to the pursuit of illegal immigrants before voting on the spending package. 21 Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the funding package, while a similar number of Republicans opposed it. The Senate approved a package last Friday that includes five stalled funding bills to cover most federal agencies through September, along with a two-week stopgap to keep the Department of Homeland Security running while negotiators work on immigration enforcement policy. U.S. President Donald Trump signed a bill to end the partial government shutdown that lasted four days, which was caused by Democrats' refusal to fund his immigration enforcement program. The bill reached Trump's desk after it was passed by a 217-214 majority in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
