Did Republicans Just Get a Lifeline to Avoid a Shutdown?

Rick Klein: “A federal judge in Texas may or may not have delivered Republicans the policy result they wanted in blocking President Obama’s immigration executive order. But Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision could alter the roadmap sufficiently to provide GOP leaders the exit ramp they need so urgently in the current Capitol Hill showdown. Mixing the immigration order with funding for the Department of Homeland Security hasn’t produced the desired results. But in making the case among Republicans for a new strategy, the (at least temporary) success of a legal challenge just might be persuasive. The latest development won’t be the final word on the never-ending wars over immigration policy. Republicans, though, needed a new script – and just might have gotten one, just in time.”

Morning Line: “Quick summary of where we are: At the moment only two options seem politically feasible — (1) a short-term funding bill that keeps the issue (and DHS) alive or (2) a partial shutdown of DHS starting a week from Saturday. (“Partial” because a majority of DHS staff is considered “essential” and could be required to work without pay in a budget impasse.) “