separate the shutdown from arguments over border security there is bipartisan legislation supported by democrats and republicans to reopen the government while allowing debate over border security to continue steffen is that possible can these two issues be separated or will the government shutdown continue indefinitely. thirdly it's absolutely possible it's really only done. because democrats and republicans actually had passed a law. that would give the president some measures for increased border security because there's no doubt everybody wants border security and wants to spend on border secure and increasing that however what the democrats are suggesting which actually was backed by republicans by the g.o.p. in the senate was that they separate the shutdown and not use