Boehner can't rule out Homeland Security Department shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner left open the possibility today of a potential shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security because of a congressional impasse over immigration.

He said a shutdown "would be bad," but that Senate Democrats would be to blame if the department's $40 billion budget were to lapse in late February.

"The House has done its job. We've spoken. And now it's up to the Senate to do their job," the Ohio Republican said. "If funding for Homeland Security lapses, Washington Democrats are gonna bear the responsibility." ''

The House has passed a bill that funds the department through September, when the current budget year ends, while also overturning President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration.

Senate Democrats have blocked debate on the bill because they oppose the immigration provisions, which limited deportations for millions of people in the United States illegally and made them eligible for work permits.