Budget talks bogged down by immigration, deficit concerns
Posted January 30, 2018 6:00 am
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congressional efforts to forge a bipartisan budget deal are moving at a snail's pace just a week after a three-day government shutdown.
There are growing worries that the whole effort could languish over Democratic demands to protect "Dreamer" immigrants and GOP conservatives' concerns that leaders are on a path to busting the budget.
The deadlock is deflating hopes that lawmakers will reach a breakthrough before another shutdown deadline next week.
At risk are up to $80 billion in long-sought increases for the Pentagon this year, and almost as much money for domestic programs could be lost. Almost $100 billion worth of overdue assistance for hurricane-slammed Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida is being held up.
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