House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune unveiled a strategy on Wednesday to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and resolve a record-breaking partial government shutdown.

Two-Track Funding Approach

The Republican plan involves two parallel tracks, following a directive from President Donald Trump. Most of DHS would be funded through an agreement with Democratic senators. However, funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol would be pursued through separate, party-line legislation.

Initial Bipartisan Effort Stalled

This approach represents a shift after Republican senators initially passed a bipartisan funding agreement on Friday. House Republicans subsequently altered the bill to fund all of DHS for 60 days, leading to the continuation of the shutdown as lawmakers began a two-week recess.

Political Reactions

Speaker Johnson, R-La., and Senator Thune, R-S.D., stated, “We appreciate and share the President’s determination to once and for all bring an end to the Democrat DHS shutdown.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Republican divisions, stating they “derailed a bipartisan agreement, making American families pay the price for their dysfunction.”

Trump's Influence and Concerns

The GOP leaders are optimistic that this new strategy will gain support from skeptical colleagues, bolstered by President Trump’s endorsement. However, conservative lawmakers may insist on full funding for all of Trump’s immigration and deportation operations. President Trump urged Republicans to pass legislation funding immigration portions of DHS without Democratic support, requesting it be on his desk by June 1.

Path Forward and Potential Challenges

The Senate could potentially approve similar legislation as early as Thursday. It remains uncertain how quickly the bill could progress through the House. Speaker Johnson may face challenges in recalling lawmakers before their spring recess concludes in mid-April. The budget package aims to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the remainder of Trump’s term, safeguarding them from potential Democratic objections to his immigration enforcement policies.