Senate Republicans are working towards a funding plan for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to end the government shutdown, but they still need support from Senate Democrats.
This framework, created over the weekend and finalized recently, aims to fund most agencies, with the exception of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This development comes after a face-to-face meeting between Republican and Democratic leaders amid the shutdown, followed by a last-minute White House meeting on Monday—triggered by President Trump’s insistence on linking DHS funding to his American Voter Protection Act (SAVE).
Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that the framework provides significant funding for DHS, excluding approximately $5.5 billion meant for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Senate Democrats previously sought funding for all areas except ICE but faced opposition from Republicans who preferred a comprehensive reopening of DHS.
The new proposal incorporates some compromises from the original measures, including financial support for body-worn cameras. However, it lacks the stricter reforms that Democrats had advocated for.
Thune expressed skepticism about the seriousness of reform demands without accompanying funding. He stated, “Many of the reforms rely on funding ICE, and since the ERO isn’t funded through ICE now, it seems like Democrats have abandoned the reform aspect.”
Still, to move forward, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democratic colleagues must agree to the proposed framework. Schumer emphasized the need for Republicans to come back to the negotiation table to resolve issues like salary payments for Transportation Security Administration workers. He described the current situation at airports as “unsustainable” and is awaiting a formal proposal from Republicans.
Key Republican senators involved in the negotiations were seen convening in Thune’s office to discuss the plan. They confirmed that the text of the bill had been shared with Democrats for review.
“We’re ready,” said Senator John Hoeven. “Democrats need to join us now. We’ve had enough of this delay and need constructive discussions with both the White House and our party to keep progress moving.” A White House representative indicated that while talks are still ongoing, the framework seems acceptable.
A further aspect of the proposal would involve funding immigration enforcement through budget reconciliation, alluding to portions of the SAVE America Act, a previous divisive issue within the Republican Party when passing Trump’s significant bill last year.
At this moment, not all Republicans are on board, so Thune will require substantial Democratic support to reopen the agency. Senator Rick Scott expressed his disapproval of the deal on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” describing it as illogical and highlighting doubts about securing funds through a settlement.
