Political analysts and top Lawmakers were convinced over the weekend that government funding negotiations had reached a standstill. However, continued talks on Monday may have secured a deal that will keep the government open beyond February 15.

Republicans May Accept Less Money for Border Wall

Prior to the recent shutdown, President Trump called for $5.7 billion in wall funding to protect the southern border. Democrats have strongly resisted funding the wall, and this was the sticking point that caused the government to close from December 22, 2018 until January 25 this year.

Instead, Republican and Democrat lawmakers have reached an agreement that would include $1.375 billion for steel slat barriers and other border security measures and related projects.

Senator Richard Shelby, the Senate Appropriations Chairman, said on Sunday that talks had stalled. However, he revealed on Monday night that “We [negotiators from both sides] reached an agreement in principle between us on all the homeland security and six other bills.” Shelby said that “The White House has been consulted all along,” indicating that the current deal has the blessing of President Trump.

The deal doesn’t just cover border wall funding. It also includes funding through to the end of the fiscal year for departments like the Internal Revenue Service, Transportation Security Administration, Food and Drug Administration, and Homeland Security. The deal, if approved by lawmakers and the President, would avert a new shutdown after this week.

Some Media Personalities Unhappy with Compromise

While lawmakers are desperate to avoid another shutdown and appear willing to compromise in ways not previously expected, there are conservative critics in the media who will not support the agreement.

In late 2018, commentators like Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh saw any funding less than $5.7 billion to be a defeat for the White House. This week, Fox News host Sean Hannity criticized the $1.3 billion in funding, saying that it’s “Not even a wall, a barrier? Any Republican that supports this garbage compromise, you will have to explain.”

Lawmakers have until Friday to finalize a deal and obtain President Trump’s signature on all related bills. Current stopgap federal funding will run dry this week. While it looks possible that a shutdown will be avoided, a lot could change in Washington in the time between now and then.