US Congress Grapples with Ongoing Homeland Security Funding Standoff

Thu Apr 02 2026 15:24:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

With the funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security approaching its 48th day, House Republicans are considering a new plan to fund the agency while navigating internal party divisions.

As the Department of Homeland Security faces an extended funding lapse, Republican leadership is uniting around a Senate proposal to fund most of the agency but exclude immigration enforcement operations. Both the House and Senate have yet to reach a resolution after weeks of contention. Amidst internal GOP disagreements and pressure from the White House, discussions continue on how to move forward to address the impasse created by the ongoing government shutdown.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security is set to extend into next week as the House considers a Senate plan previously rejected, aiming to fund most of the agency, excluding its immigration enforcement operations.

After 48 days without resolution, Congress held brief pro forma sessions with no substantial progress made. However, Republican leadership and President Trump are aligning on a strategy to fully fund DHS through a bicameral agreement, diverging from divergent paths previously taken.

During these sessions, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., dismissed the House plan for a short-term funding measure and instead hinted at the possibility of eventually passing the bipartisan Senate plan.

I don’t know the particulars around what the House will do with it, Thune remarked. My assumption is, at some point, hopefully, they’ll move it.

House Republicans are expected to engage in a conference call to discuss the potential next steps, while Speaker Mike Johnson and Thune revealed their commitment to revisiting the Senate’s allocation, which does not include funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Border Patrol. These agencies might require separate attention through party-line spending legislation that is projected to take substantial time to finalize.

Despite Trump's backing, the viability of this approach remains uncertain. Thune mentioned the need to recognize feasible solutions amidst divergent desires within the party. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for their slow reaction and internal discord which has impacted families nationwide.

The impending funding conflict angles towards a Republican internal debate about fully financing immigration enforcement efforts, clashing with the Senate's more moderate stance. Expectancy mounts for legislation that Trump aims to send to his desk by early June to further reinforce funding and operational security strategies for crucial agencies.

Amidst the shutdown, many DHS workers are fulfilling their duties without compensation, although some TSA agents have recently reported for duty after receiving backpay, easing travel disruptions at airports.