Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) accused Senate Democrats of obstructing funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the agency enters its 36th day of partial shutdown. Thune said Republicans and the White House have made repeated offers to reopen DHS, including a recent compromise bill containing reforms Democrats requested.
Thune emphasized that both the White House and Senate Republicans have participated in negotiations, but questioned whether Democrats would “take yes for an answer.” The shutdown has caused long airport security lines, delayed pay for tens of thousands of federal workers, and raised concerns about domestic threats amid ongoing military operations against Iran.
Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) said Democrats appear “more afraid of ICE than they are of Iran,” criticizing their push to exclude Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding from any agreement. Republicans unsuccessfully attempted a fifth vote to reopen DHS fully on Friday. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are pursuing partial funding for components like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with a related vote scheduled for Saturday.
Thune described the situation as “politically advantageous” to Democrats but said it is frustrating for travelers and government employees affected by the shutdown. President Donald Trump later posted on Truth Social that he would send ICE agents to airports if Democrats do not agree to reopen DHS, with a focus on arresting illegal immigrants entering the U.S.
The standoff continues as Republicans seek a comprehensive DHS funding deal while Democrats demand ICE reforms before reopening the agency.
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