Senate-Approved DHS Funding Bill Faces House Challenges: Live Updates & Insights

Just before starting a two-week break, the Senate reached an agreement to conclude the 42-day partial government shutdown, which had been largely focused on federal immigration enforcement issues.

In a voice vote that took place after 2 a.m., the Senate approved a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security, except for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and certain components of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The legislation notably excluded many immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats following the fatal shootings of two Americans in Minnesota during President Trump’s immigration campaign.

This week saw some progress in negotiations, but discussions eventually stalled. Democrats argued that the Republicans’ proposal to fund the entirety of DHS fell short of addressing their concerns.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, representing New York, stated that his party remained steadfast.

“Through it all, Senate Democrats stood united — there was no wavering, no backing down,” Schumer remarked on the Senate floor following the vote. “We made it clear: no blank check for a lawless ICE and Border Patrol.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Thursday afternoon that Republicans sent Democrats their “last and final” offer. 

Shortly after, the Senate began a procedural vote on DHS funding, which was held open for more than six hours in hopes that there would be a breakthrough in negotiations. The vote ultimately failed. 

But Mr. Trump said he would sign an emergency order to pay TSA agents as travelers face long waits in airport security lines, which Thune said alleviated “the immediate pressure” to reach a deal. 

Mr. Trump’s announcement appeared to pave the way for ending the impasse, which threatened to cut short the Senate’s recess. 

After Friday’s vote, Thune ruled out the possibility of immigration enforcement reforms, telling reporters that Democrats “kissed that opportunity goodbye” by failing to provide funding for those agencies. 

“I think that ship has sailed,” he said. 

Republicans have vowed to fund immigration enforcement agencies through the reconciliation process, though the strategy is expected to face more hurdles with the GOP’s narrow majority and a lack of Democratic support.