Path Forward for DHS Funding Amid Continued Government Shutdown

Wed Apr 01 2026 21:51:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune propose a dual-path strategy to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security as lawmakers head into a recess.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune introduced a plan aimed at fully funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while addressing a record partial government shutdown. Both Republican leaders outlined a two-track strategy to achieve this goal, expecting to advance either through the regular appropriations route or via a reconciliation bill. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly from Democrats and potential dissent within their own party as lawmakers prepare for a two-week recess.

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced Wednesday what they are calling a path forward to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while attempting to end a record partial government shutdown.

In a joint statement, they indicated that Republicans will follow through on President Donald Trump’s directive to fully fund DHS, employing a dual-track approach. One avenue will adhere to the regular appropriations process, while the other is likely to resort to a reconciliation bill that might require Republicans to act independently later this year.

Despite this plan, uncertainties loom as opposition is anticipated not only from Democrats but potentially from within the Republican ranks as well. Johnson and Thune expressed their commitment by stating, We appreciate and share the President’s determination to once and for all bring an end to the Democrat DHS shutdown.

The situation escalated recently when the Senate passed a bill omitting funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol and disregarding Democratic demands for new limits on these agencies.

On the House side, Republicans passed a bill providing total funding for DHS, albeit for a temporary period of 60 days. This led to the continuation of the shutdown as lawmakers departed for a two-week recess.

Senate Democrats' cooperation will be essential for the plan's success, but their willingness to engage remains uncertain.

After this announcement, it appeared that Johnson and Thune have reconciled their working relationship, which had faced challenges just weeks earlier when Johnson rejected Thune’s proposals.

Earlier in the day, Trump urged Republicans through a social media post to finance immigration issues within DHS via legislation that would not necessitate Democratic support, outlining the need for this bill to reach his desk 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 declared.