Washington – A potential shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deepened Friday as House Republicans rejected a bipartisan Senate compromise aimed at averting a disruption to critical security operations, including those at airports. The impasse threatens to prolong delays for travelers and leaves the paychecks of thousands of TSA agents in limbo, even as the Biden administration attempts to mitigate the impact through executive action.
The Senate early Friday passed a bill funding most of DHS through the fiscal year, but it excluded funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This move was intended to break a weeks-long stalemate fueled by Republican demands for stricter border security measures and changes to immigration enforcement policies. Yet, the bill immediately faced opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who denounced it as a capitulation to Democratic priorities.
Johnson announced plans to push through a short-term funding extension for the entire DHS, lasting until May 22, effectively restarting the funding debate and extending the risk of a shutdown. “This gambit that was done last night is a joke,” Johnson told reporters. He accused Senate Democrats of pursuing a “radical agenda” to “reopen the borders and stop the deportation of dangerous, criminal illegal aliens.” The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet Friday afternoon to prepare the stopgap measure for a vote.
The Senate’s move to exclude ICE and CBP funding stemmed from weeks of contention over Republican insistence on maintaining current enforcement levels. Democrats had sought changes to ICE’s practices, but ultimately settled for removing funding altogether as a negotiating tactic. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., swiftly dismissed the House proposal as “dead on arrival,” reiterating his party’s commitment to funding essential homeland security functions although opposing what he called a “blank check” for “Trump’s lawless and deadly immigration militia.” Schumer articulated his position on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating,
The Senate bill’s exclusion of ICE funding drew sharp criticism from the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Representative Andy Harris, R-Md., chairman of the group, stated they would only support a bill that fully restores funding for ICE and CBP, and also includes a federal voter identification requirement – a provision unrelated to DHS funding that has been championed by former President Donald Trump. “The only thing we’re going to support is adding that funding into the bill, adding that voter ID, sending it back to the Senate, make them come back and do their work,” Harris said.
Airport Delays and Executive Action
The ongoing impasse is already impacting air travel across the United States. Without funding, TSA agents are working without pay, leading to longer security lines and potential staffing shortages. In response to the escalating situation, President Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that he would authorize the payment of TSA agents through an executive order. According to CNBC, Trump stated, “Due to the fact that the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country…I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents.”
Speaker Johnson acknowledged the executive order, stating it would “reduce the lines and the waits at the airlines” and ensure that those “protecting us are paid.” However, the long-term viability of this solution remains uncertain, as it does not address the underlying funding dispute.
Roots of the Impasse
The current shutdown began in February following a series of incidents involving federal agents, including the fatal shooting of two U.S. Citizens in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation. The Minneapolis shooting sparked outrage and fueled Democratic demands for greater oversight and reform of ICE and DHS. Democrats have argued that the current enforcement practices are overly aggressive and lack sufficient accountability.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, criticized Democrats for what she described as “intransigence and unreasonable” demands. “Congressional Democrats have done real damage to the appropriations process by repeatedly forcing government shutdowns and refusing to fund entire agencies,” Collins said in a statement. “Their refusal to fund ICE and Border Patrol leaves our borders and our country less secure.”
Looking Ahead: Budget Reconciliation and Further Conflict
Republicans have indicated they may attempt to restore ICE funding through the budget reconciliation process, a procedural maneuver that requires only a simple majority in the Senate. This strategy could bypass the need for bipartisan agreement, but it is likely to face strong opposition from Democrats. Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., announced plans for a bill that would not only restore ICE funding but also include provisions related to defense spending and the SAVE America Act, a Trump-backed measure focused on voter ID and noncitizen voting restrictions.
The budget reconciliation process, while offering a potential path forward for Republicans, is not without its limitations. Its provisions must have a direct impact on spending or revenue, and it could be subject to legal challenges. The current standoff highlights the deep partisan divisions within Congress and the challenges of reaching consensus on immigration and border security policy.
The immediate future of DHS funding remains uncertain. The House is expected to vote on its short-term extension in the coming days, but its prospects in the Senate are dim. Unless a compromise can be reached, the shutdown is likely to continue, with potentially significant consequences for national security and the traveling public. The next key date to watch is the House Rules Committee meeting Friday afternoon, where the details of the proposed stopgap measure will be finalized.
— Dan Mangan and Karen Sloan contributed to this report.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a developing political and legislative situation. It is not intended to provide legal or financial advice.
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