Homeland Security Funding Plan Revealed

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced a plan on Wednesday to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move seeks to resolve a funding impasse that previously resulted in a partial government shutdown.

Two-Track Approach to Funding

The proposed strategy involves a two-track approach, according to a joint statement released by the leaders. The first track will focus on funding the majority of the department, excluding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol.

Separate Funding for Border Agencies

Republicans intend to pursue separate legislation to fund ICE and U.S. Border Patrol in a second track. This will be attempted through party-line spending bills at a later date.

Potential Challenges and Presidential Support

Despite the agreement between Johnson and Thune, the plan is not guaranteed to succeed. It could face opposition from within the Republican party itself.

However, the strategy has received support from former President Donald Trump. “We appreciate and share the President’s determination to once and for all bring an end to the Democrat DHS shutdown,” Johnson, R-La., and Thune, R-S.D., stated.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.