WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican leaders eager to avert a partial government shutdown are getting heat from conservative colleagues who play down the fuss.
Numerous House Republicans say it’s preferable to let the Homeland Security Department go unfunded for a few days if that’s the cost of undoing a White House immigration policy they consider unlawful.
These lawmakers say the impact on national security would be minimal, as would the political risks. They note that most Homeland Security employees would keep working because they are deemed essential.
Republicans say President Barack Obama violated the Constitution by unilaterally protecting millions of immigrants from deportation. A House-passed bill would fund DHS beyond Friday only if the order is reversed.
Some senior Republicans say their party will pay a heavy price for any DHS shutdown.