Next Week in Congress: DHS Conference Committee Looks to Push Border Deal Across the Finish Line

Members of the bipartisan border security conference committee are reportedly close to clinching a deal that would not provide President Trump with his $5.7 border wall request but would avert a second shutdown. The proposal — which could be unveiled later today or Monday — would keep the government funded and provide additional border security spending on patrol agents, fencing, and upgraded detection technology. Lawmakers on the Conference Committee have indicated they will do whatever it takes to avoid another funding lapse despite the President’s potential opposition of the final deal.

On the floor, House lawmakers are set to complete consideration of a bill (H.R. 840) that would make permanent the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Child Care Pilot Program. Senators will return to Washington on Monday to resume consideration of the comprehensive federal lands package (S.47) that would reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Following passage of the lands package, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has queued up a confirmation vote on William Barr to be Attorney General of the United States.