Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Senate Republicans on Tuesday proposed a plan to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, as disruptions at airports worsen and thousands of federal workers continue to go without pay.
The proposal would fund most of DHS but exclude the branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement responsible for arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants, according to three people familiar with the plan who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations.
The effort is aimed at breaking a monthlong impasse between Republicans and Democrats, but Donald Trump signaled he is unlikely to support a compromise.
“I don’t want to comment until I see the deal,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “But I think any deal they make, I’m pretty much not happy with it.”
Stalemate over ICE and reforms
The shutdown, which began Feb. 14, has stretched into its second month as Democrats demand new restrictions on immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of civilians in Minnesota by federal agents.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would reject any deal that does not include limits on ICE operations, including stricter warrant requirements, bans on agents wearing masks and mandates for body cameras and visible identification.
“Every Democrat in my caucus has been consistent all along: We have to rein in ICE and stop the violence,” Schumer said, adding that Democrats plan to send a counterproposal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans would not agree to those conditions unless Democrats support funding ICE.
“If they want to have a conversation about some of the reform ideas … that would be contingent upon actually providing funding for ICE,” Thune said.
Trump ties talks to voting bill
Trump has further complicated negotiations by insisting Republicans should not reach a deal unless Democrats support the “SAVE America Act,” a GOP-backed voting bill that lacks the votes to pass the Senate.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority but would need at least seven Democrats to overcome a filibuster.
Air travel disruptions grow
The shutdown has strained airport operations nationwide. While Transportation Security Administration officers remain on duty, many are working without pay, contributing to staffing shortages and long security lines.
The administration deployed ICE personnel to assist Transportation Security Administration officers at airports this week.
GOP strategy: split funding, use reconciliation
Under the Republican proposal, Democrats could vote to reopen DHS without directly funding ICE’s deportation arm. Republicans argue the agency can continue operations using billions in funding approved last year.
GOP lawmakers are also considering using the budget reconciliation process to pass additional ICE funding later with a simple majority vote.
Sen. Eric Schmitt said the approach would allow Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition.
House hurdles remain
Any agreement would also need approval from the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson faces a narrow majority and may need Democratic support to pass a funding bill.
Some lawmakers are pursuing alternative paths. Rep. Rosa DeLauro has introduced a discharge petition to force a vote on funding DHS without ICE, while a bipartisan group led by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi plans to introduce legislation combining funding with new accountability measures.
Pressure builds ahead of recess
Lawmakers face increasing pressure to resolve the standoff before a scheduled two-week congressional recess.
Sen. Lindsey Graham said delays at airports underscore the urgency.
“If you’re waiting in line four hours … this madness needs to come to an end,” he said.
