Washington Ramps Up Talks to Resolve DHS Shutdown Amid Nationwide Airport Delays
Washington lawmakers have ramped up talks to resolve the DHS shutdown as nationwide airport delays continue to worsen. Leaders from both parties met again on Capitol Hill Friday night. The session marked a second consecutive day of negotiations.
Capitol Hill Talks Intensify
Republicans and White House officials have been pushing for a quick resolution. They say they added elements to their latest offer. Democrats left the meeting without commenting to reporters.
The evening session included White House border czar Tom Homan and bipartisan Senate appropriators. The meeting lasted under an hour. Participants described discussions as ongoing and focused on reopening the department.
Core Disagreements Remain
Democrats demand concrete legal changes tied to immigration enforcement. They cited incidents of violence earlier this year as a reason for reform. They say current GOP proposals fall short of those changes.
Republicans insist on full funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Several GOP senators rejected piecemeal bills that would fund only TSA or FEMA. They argue a partial approach would leave critical agencies underfunded.
Lawmakers’ Positions
- Susan Collins said the White House has expanded its offer and called it reasonable. She said Democrats now have the ball.
- Katie Britt described the talks as productive and urged work over the weekend. She said negotiators built on prior conversations.
- Jacky Rosen signaled she would not shift until more concrete proposals appear. She criticized offers that merely promise to follow existing law.
- Raphael Warnock, representing Atlanta’s major airport, refused to accept status quo funding. He pointed to severe delays at his state’s hub.
- Chris Murphy argued Republicans have not produced meaningful counteroffers. He backed a plan to fund TSA, FEMA and other agencies without funding immigration enforcement.
- Rick Scott said he would not support funding only portions of DHS. He rejected any effort to defund ICE.
- John Kennedy said he might consider a phased approach only if Republicans used reconciliation the next day to pursue full ICE changes.
Pressure from Airport Delays and Agency Budgets
Airports across the country have reported long lines and travel disruptions. Lawmakers cited mounting constituent complaints. They also warned about dwindling FEMA reserves.
Democrats noted that immigration agencies received substantial funds last year. One senator said ICE obtained roughly $75 billion in a prior domestic policy package. That figure underpins Democratic arguments to prioritize TSA funding now.
What Comes Next
Participants expect more meetings in the coming days. Lawmakers want a deal before Congress departs for a lengthy spring recess. No agreement has emerged yet.
Both sides say talks will continue and the clock is ticking. Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor developments.
