In the deal under discussion, Homeland Security would still be funded but for a short time to allow for negotiations on the Democrats' demands. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has indicated that he might be open to considering some of the Democrats' demands, but he encouraged Democrats and the White House to talk and find agreement. The White House had invited some Democrats for a discussion to better understand their positions and avoid a partial government shutdown, a senior White House official said, but the meeting did not happen. Even if the Senate can resolve the issue, House Republicans have said they do not want any changes to the bill they have passed. “The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” according to the letter.