Deal Emerges to End DHS Shutdown, Leaving Both Parties Uneasy
Negotiators have converged on a tentative framework to end a shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security.
A deal appears to be emerging to end the DHS shutdown, yet both parties remain uneasy about its terms and prospects.
The proposal
The plan formally circulated Tuesday would fund most DHS accounts through the fiscal year. It would carve out enforcement and removal operations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Customs and Border Protection would receive funding under the measure. Homeland Security Investigations would also be financed.
How Republicans framed the path forward
Senate Republicans said they would try to fund excluded ICE functions later. They plan to pursue that effort through budget reconciliation.
Several GOP senators warned reconciliation success was not guaranteed. Senate conservatives questioned whether the process could deliver ICE funding.
Democratic reaction and demands
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will return a counteroffer. He said it will include significant reform demands for ICE.
Many Democrats welcomed funding for TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard. They remained concerned about money flowing to enforcement without policy conditions.
Specific Democratic concerns
- Sen. Patty Murray demanded limits if any funds go to ICE or CBP.
- Sen. Richard Blumenthal called for reforms to be part of any deal.
- Sen. Chris Murphy warned that funding HSI and CBP could still support immigration enforcement.
- Sen. Angus King sought protections preventing agencies from redirecting funds to ICE enforcement.
- Sen. Tim Kaine said setting ICE aside entirely could win his support.
White House and GOP divisions
President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal on Tuesday. His hesitation risks complicating Republican unity.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he prefers fully funding DHS. He opposed breaking the department into separate funding pieces.
Senate GOP voices
- Sen. Lindsey Graham asserted the deal should not be altered now.
- Sen. Steve Daines warned the Senate could be stuck in the battle for weeks.
- Sen. John Kennedy said Republicans might withdraw concessions and pursue a party-line reconciliation path.
- Sen. Rick Scott dismissed the idea that reconciliation would easily fund ICE operations.
Next steps and political math
Lawmakers face a choice between passing the package now or holding out for policy wins. The proposal would leave some Democrats unhappy.
Passing the deal would require enough Democratic votes in the Senate. Funding ICE through reconciliation would demand total GOP discipline.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as lawmakers negotiate the final terms and votes.
