“It is unclear how long the shutdown could last. Members of Congress left Washington for a weeklong recess on Thursday. Republican leaders in Congress have said that negotiations would continue, and that members should be ready to return to Washington if an agreement is reached.”

Department of Homeland Security Shuts Down, Though Essential Work Continues

“Given the scheduled recess, the shutdown would last at least through next week, though leaders advised their rank and file to be ready to return to Washington in the event of a deal that still appeared far off.”

DHS Shutdown Nears as Immigration Enforcement Talks Stall

“Plus, leaders of both parties said, negotiations were ongoing between Democrats and the White House, and members of the House and Senate could be quickly summoned back if a breakthrough occurred and a deal was ready for a vote.It made no sense, they said, to keep members of Congress sitting around cooling their heels if there was nothing to put on the floor of the House and Senate. Members of both parties who were headed to Munich also said it was vital that the United States have a strong presence there, to reassure European allies rattled by Mr. Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy maneuvers.AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTStill, the pain for lawmakers is usually an integral part of any deal to avert or end a shutdown, as members’ unhappiness, restiveness and occasional sheer boredom has in the past helped force a resolution. Not to mention that it is not great optics for members of Congress to race for international flights as Transportation Security Administration workers are among those likely to work without pay if the shutdown — the third in a matter of months — drags on.The stalled funding measure also covers the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Coast Guard, among other entities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency at the heart of the dispute, as well as Customs and Border Protection, have funds from an earlier bill and can continue to operate without interruption.“We are where we are,” Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota and the majority leader, said as he acknowledged that the Senate would continue with its planned weeklong Presidents’ Day recess, unless an agreement was reached and lawmakers were called back.”

Congress Leaves DC as DHS Shuts Down