Senate Democrats have blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fifth time, extending the shutdown to 35 days and tying it for the second-longest in U.S. history. The impasse occurs amid growing airport delays and heightened terrorism concerns following recent shootings, as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents remain unfunded and unpaid.
Repeated Senate Votes Fail to End DHS Shutdown
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Republicans have made multiple attempts to reopen DHS funding, including proposals aimed solely at paying TSA workers, which were consistently blocked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and his caucus. Democrats have insisted on linking DHS funding approval to reforms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resisting partial funding measures that exclude immigration enforcement.
“Republicans are saying unless you pass ICE as is without reform, we’re not going to help the TSA workers get paid and reduce the lines at the airport,” Schumer stated. Thune criticized Democrats for being influenced by their party’s progressive base, which he said is preventing a deal to restore government functions.
White House Proposes Concessions Amid Ongoing Negotiations
After weeks without communication, Democrats submitted a counteroffer to the White House, which the administration described as insufficient. In response, the White House disclosed a five-part proposal aimed at reopening DHS funding and expressed willingness to engage further.
This led to a closed-door meeting involving border czar Tom Homan and a bipartisan group of senators including Susan Collins (R-ME), Katie Britt (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Patty Murray (D-WA). Senate Majority Leader Thune said the group was expected to meet again to determine if progress can be made.
Senate Prepares to Confirm New DHS Secretary Amid Political Tensions
The Senate is also moving forward on confirming Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as the next DHS Secretary, after the firing of Kristi Noem. Mullin secured committee approval with support from Democratic Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) but faces strong opposition from Democrats. Mullin has pledged to implement judicial warrant requirements for most ICE home entries, a key demand from Democrats.
Despite this, Democrats plan to push a standalone vote to fund TSA operations, which is expected to fail. Thune indicated lawmakers may delay any recess until the shutdown is resolved, emphasizing a need to settle the funding issue by the end of the following week before the Easter break.
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