WASHINGTON (AP) — The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to continue into next week as the House debates the full funding plan previously rejected, which does not cover immigration enforcement operations. This marks the 48th day of the standoff.
The congressional leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have coalesced around a new strategy aiming to pass a Senate plan that accounts for most of DHS while setting aside discussions about its immigration enforcement arms, ICE and the Border Patrol.
During a brief session, Thune indicated that the House would return to the Senate's proposal to fund DHS, allowing them to later address immigration enforcement via a separate, party-line funding route that may take months to finalize.
“I believe the House will move on this eventually,” Thune stated. However, GOP's own factions could create roadblocks, despite the support from Trump.
Republican divisiveness and concerns about compromising with Democrats have been highlighted by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who blamed his counterparts for delaying bipartisan solutions that would prevent hardships for American families.
Some GOP members, including Rep. Scott Perry, have voiced strong opposition to the Senate plan, arguing that failing to fund ICE and Border Patrol would backtrack on law enforcement efforts and border security.
Amidst ongoing frustrations within TSA, there are also calls for Congress to return and address the operational impacts of the shutdown, particularly as air travelers are experiencing longer delays due to staffing issues.
As of now, without a clear agreement, thousands of DHS employees remain unpaid, intensifying the urgency for a resolution.
