Republican Leaders Announce Plan to End DHS Shutdown
WASHINGTON – Republican leaders in both the House and Senate revealed a strategy on Wednesday aimed at resolving the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has resulted in significant delays at airports nationwide.
Senate and House Republicans Outline Funding Strategy
In a joint statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-La.) indicated that Republicans will pursue funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through two avenues: the appropriations process and via reconciliation. This approach is in line with the President’s direction to restore full funding to the agency.
Future Congressional Actions Remain Uncertain
While the specifics of their plans were not detailed, the leaders hinted that it closely mirrors proposals discussed in the Senate in recent days. Johnson and Thune emphasized the necessity for the Senate to reapprove a previously unified bill, suggesting it could be taken up for voting as early as Thursday.
Bill Funding Details and Sticking Points
The proposed funding would cover various aspects of DHS operations, but notably excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Democrats are unlikely to support funding for these agencies without comprehensive reforms to immigration enforcement protocols, as they already have distinct funding structures in place.
House Republicans Shift Strategy on DHS Funding
Earlier this week, House Republican leaders rejected the Senate bill but are now positioning themselves to support it in light of ongoing discussions. A formal vote in the House of Representatives will be necessary for the bill’s passage.
Potential Path to Funding ICE and CBP
Without immediate clarity on the vote’s timing, both branches of Congress are scheduled to be in recess until April 13th. This timeframe raises prospects for Republicans to incorporate ICE and CBP funding into a partisan “budget reconciliation” bill, which could potentially sidestep the filibuster and be enacted without requiring Democratic approval.
Administration’s Stance and Ongoing Impact of the Shutdown
Johnson and Thune noted that their “two-track” strategy aims to completely reopen the DHS, ensure that all federal employees receive their salaries, and secure funds specifically for immigration and border security for the next three years, thus allowing law enforcement operations to proceed uninterrupted. A White House official has expressed support for this initiative.
Calls for Immediate Legislative Action
In a related development, President Donald Trump urged Republicans early Wednesday to pass party-line legislation by June 1. He refrained from commenting on the Senate bill last week, following a chaotic response from House Republicans to his initial reopening plan for the DHS. As the shutdown enters its second month, agencies such as TSA and FEMA have seen employees go unpaid for weeks. An executive order signed by President Trump last week aimed to provide pay for TSA workers, but its legality and effectiveness remain uncertain.
