Senate Takes First Step Towards DHS Funding

The Senate early Thursday initiated action to fund the majority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a change in strategy by House GOP leaders. This shift allows for the reopening of most government functions while deferring further funding discussions to a later date.

Initial Impasse and House Action

Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor on Thursday morning, advocating for a measure previously agreed upon by Senate Democrats and Republicans. This plan would fund all of DHS, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and specific sections of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Democrats had previously resisted funding DHS’ immigration enforcement operations due to two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. Negotiations regarding ICE reforms stalled last week, prompting the Senate to proceed with funding the majority of the department.

House Reversal and Presidential Intervention

The Senate’s plan faced immediate opposition in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson initially chose to propose a temporary measure funding all of DHS, leading to a recess for the House just after the Senate.

On Wednesday, President Trump urged lawmakers to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the reconciliation process, a method allowing Republicans to advance legislation without Democratic support in the Senate.

New Strategy: Reconciliation and Phased Funding

Hours after President Trump’s statement, both Senator Thune and Speaker Johnson announced a plan to pursue three years of funding for ICE and Border Patrol via the reconciliation process. Simultaneously, they will work to approve the remaining DHS funding in the coming days. This approach mirrors the Senate’s initial plan from the previous week.

Next Steps and Timeline

The timing of the House’s next vote remains uncertain. Both the House and Senate are currently on recess, scheduled to return on April 13. Senator Thune advanced the measure during a pro forma session on Thursday, and the House is also holding a pro forma session.

House GOP leaders may postpone a vote until the full chamber reconvenes. Once the bulk of DHS is funded, Republicans intend to focus on the reconciliation process, aiming to have the bill signed into law by June 1.