Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, continue to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), despite two recent shootings—one at a Michigan synagogue and another at Old Dominion University in Virginia—that heightened concerns over national security threats. Both incidents involved suspects with links to extremist groups, intensifying calls from Republicans to reopen DHS funding.
Republicans Warn of Security Risks During DHS Shutdown
Senate Republicans have made multiple attempts to pass full-year funding for DHS, which has been shut down for nearly a month. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that the shutdown’s consequences are “real” and that “people are going to get hurt” if the impasse continues.
Thune noted that Democrats have yet to respond to the White House’s latest compromise offer. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso accused Senate Democrats of being “so beholden and detached to the far-left component of this nation” that they ignore threats on U.S. soil, citing the recent terrorist-related shootings.
Democrats Maintain Opposition While Offering Partial Funding
Democrats have proposed piecemeal funding focused on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), seeking reforms they argue are necessary, though Republicans say these measures go too far. Schumer’s office has not indicated any change in position following the shootings. In a statement on the Michigan synagogue attack, Schumer condemned antisemitism but did not address the DHS funding or shutdown.
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