GOP Leadership Announces Strategy to Address DHS Shutdown

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune unveiled a coordinated plan aimed at securing full funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marking a hopeful turn in the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The leaders introduced a two-track approach: the first aims to restore the Senate’s earlier proposal for funding most DHS operations, excluding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol. The second track seeks to establish new legislation later in the year focused on funding these agencies via a party-line vote.

Despite the backing of former President Donald Trump, both tracks could encounter hurdles, including potential pushback from within their own ranks. Johnson and Thune underscored their commitment to align with Trump's efforts to settle the shutdown.

“This initiative seeks to end the Democratic-led DHS shutdown,” they remarked in a unified statement.

The announcement revives last week’s Senate-supported bipartisan funding agreement, which achieved passage by unanimous consent. Although the Senate could greenlight the same legislation as early as Thursday, the speed at which the House may act remains uncertain. The second funding phase for ICE and Border Patrol might extend for several months.

Previously, House Republicans dismissed the Senate’s proposal and suggested a 60-day bill for full DHS funding, prolonging the shutdown as lawmakers departed for a two-week break. This shutdown has now lasted 47 days.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer commended party unity for pushing Republicans to reassess their strategy, remarking that GOP divisions have resulted in hardships for American families.

Conversely, a faction of conservative Republicans insists that funding for ICE and Border Patrol is non-negotiable. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) cautioned against weakening law enforcement and leaving borders vulnerable.

It remains unclear if Speaker Johnson can gather sufficient support to reconvene the House before the mid-April recess. In the meantime, a more limited budget package later this year is anticipated to maintain ICE and Border Patrol funding through the remainder of Trump’s tenure.

Trump reiterated his stance on Wednesday, advocating for a bill that funds DHS’s immigration components without Democratic involvement, with hopes of enacting it by June 1.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries responded by calling on Republicans to conclude the shutdown, ensure TSA personnel are compensated, and fully fund all DHS operations excluding Trump’s deportation agenda.

While the majority of DHS staff continue their roles during the shutdown, thousands remain without pay. TSA staffing shortages have affected airport security, though backpay issued through Trump’s executive order is alleviating some of these issues.