GOP Leaders Propose Funding Strategy to Resolve DHS Shutdown

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Leaders of the Republican Party, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, introduced a collaborative funding plan for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, marking a possible resolution to the extended government shutdown.

The proposed strategy includes a two-pronged approach. The initial phase aims to reinstate the Senate's proposal, which would fund the majority of DHS operations, not covering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol. The second phase will push for distinct legislation later in the year to fund these agencies through a party-line vote.

Each approach may face challenges, particularly from certain factions within the GOP, even as the backing of former President Donald Trump remains strong. Johnson and Thune reiterated their commitment to resolving the shutdown in line with Trump's initiatives.

“Our goal is to bring an end to what we refer to as the Democrat DHS shutdown,” they stated together.

This announcement appears to be a revision of the bipartisan agreement that passed through the Senate last week with unanimous support. While the Senate may consider this legislation as early as Thursday, it remains uncertain when the House would act. A resolution for ICE and Border Patrol funding could take several months.

Previously, House Republicans dismissed the Senate's proposal, opting instead for a 60-day funding bill for the entire DHS, leading to the continuation of the shutdown as lawmakers departed for a two-week break. The shutdown has now reached 47 days.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer commended the unity within his party, stating it has pushed Republicans to reassess their strategies, claiming the GOP's internal disputes have cost American families dearly.

Yet, some conservative Republicans assert that funding for ICE and Border Patrol is non-negotiable. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) cautioned against “defunding law enforcement and leaving borders wide open.”

It remains to be seen whether Speaker Johnson can gather enough support to reconvene the House before mid-April. In the meantime, a narrower budget package later this year is anticipated to secure funding for ICE and Border Patrol for the remainder of Trump’s term.

Trump reaffirmed his stance on Wednesday, calling for legislation to fund the immigration aspects of DHS without Democratic involvement, aiming for a signing before June 1.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries responded by urging Republicans to conclude the shutdown, ensure TSA agents receive pay, and fully fund all DHS operations not aligned with Trump’s deportation agenda.

While most DHS staff continue working during the shutdown, thousands have not received their salaries. TSA staffing shortages have caused disruptions in airport security, although backpay provided through Trump’s executive order is helping to alleviate these issues.