Democrats shrug off grassroots demands to continue shutdown, block ICE funds

Democrats are expected to vote to reopen the government and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks. This decision is expected to anger progressive Democrats who want to use the funding as leverage for ICE and CBP reforms. Many Democrats are concerned about the need for disaster relief funding and the opportunity to negotiate ICE reforms. The House is voting on a package funding several departments until September, but DHS funding is limited to two weeks. The bill's passage hinges on Democratic support after a Republican procedural motion passed. House leadership is against the initial rule, but not whipping members on the final vote. The vote is likely to split the Democratic Party. Some Democrats believe securing the rest of the government's funding will allow them to focus on DHS reform efforts. Moderate Democrats in battleground districts are also split on their vote. Some Democrats prioritize access to disaster relief funds included in the bill.