Path Forward for Homeland Security Funding Amid Shutdown

Wed Apr 01 2026 21:59:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune outline a strategy to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and resolve the ongoing government shutdown, facing challenges from both Democrats and internal GOP divisions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have proposed a two-track approach to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amidst an ongoing partial government shutdown. The plan involves following standard appropriations as well as a reconciliation bill that may require solo passage by Republicans. While there is determination from GOP leaders, opposition from Democrats and potential rifts within the party could complicate the resolution process.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a bid to end the record partial government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced on Wednesday a plan to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In their joint statement, they expressed their commitment to following President Donald Trump's directive, emphasizing that the House and Senate Republicans would utilize two parallel tracks to expedite the funding.

The dual strategies involve the traditional appropriations process and a reconciliation bill that may potentially allow Republicans to pass it independently later this year. The officials noted, however, that while they are working together, their approach is likely to encounter opposition not only from Democrats but also from dissenters within their party.

“We appreciate and share the President’s determination to bring an end to the Democrat DHS shutdown," stated Johnson, representing Louisiana, and Thune from South Dakota.

This comes after a recent Senate bill did not include funding for critical components such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol, sidelining Democratic proposals for limitations on these agencies. The House Republicans have passed legislation to fund DHS for a further 60 days as Congress heads into a two-week recess.

As the shutdown continues, Senate Democrats are faced with the challenge of cooperating with the proposed solution, though their willingness remains uncertain. Trump's recent comments indicated his appeal to the Republicans for expedited immigration-related funding without Democratic backing, claiming his intent to have this legislation ready by June 1.

“We are going to work as fast, and as focused, as possible to replenish funding for our Border and ICE Agents, and the Radical Left Democrats won’t be able to stop us,” Trump emphasized.