GOP May Need House Dems To Help Resolve DHS Funding Impasse [UPDATE]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican House Speaker John Boehner has a possible escape from the Homeland Security funding impasse if he's willing to use it: cooperative Democrats.

Although not his first choice, Boehner sometimes relies on numerous Democrats to help pass measures many Republicans oppose. They include the January 2013 resolution to the "fiscal cliff" showdown, which 151 House Republicans opposed.

And last year the House raised the federal debt ceiling with 193 Democratic votes and only 28 Republican votes.

The bipartisan strategy carries political risks. A House speaker who defies his party's wishes too often can lose his post.

But Boehner has survived threats before. His record suggests his options aren't as limited as some people suggest.

Republicans want to halt Homeland Security Department funding unless President Barack Obama reverses his deportation policies.

UPDATE 2/27/15 6:00 p.m. WASHINGTON (AP) — Stopgap spending bill to fund Homeland Security fails in House hours before shutdown deadline.