House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) publicly rebuked Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) Friday over a two-step plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling the Senate’s approach a "joke." The confrontation underscores deepening fissures within GOP leadership as Congress grapples with border security funding.
Johnson Slams Senate Strategy
Johnson accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) of orchestrating the Senate’s plan, which he claims lacks adequate support for ICE. "I'm quite convinced that it can't be that every Senate Republican read the language of this bill," Johnson said, expressing frustration over the lack of objections from his Senate counterparts.
"This gambit that was done last night is a joke," Johnson stated emphatically.
Trump Backs Alternative Plan
Johnson asserted that President Trump supports his proposal to pass an eight-week DHS funding bill, bypassing the Senate’s plan. "I spoke to the President a few moments ago," Johnson said. "He understands exactly what we're doing and why, and he supports it." Trump reinforced this stance by issuing an executive order to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, a move that aligns with Johnson’s strategy.
Senate Deal Faces House Resistance
Johnson’s opposition to the Senate plan highlights the challenges of reconciling House and Senate priorities. House Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) confirmed widespread GOP support for Johnson’s short-term funding extension, stating, "The speaker had a call with all the members and addressed a lot of their issues, and everybody wants border security."
Meanwhile, Thune faced public criticism from a GOP House member while traveling, further exposing the rift between chambers. Despite the discord, Johnson maintained that he and Thune remain aligned on broader goals.
Border Security Funding Battle Looms
The DHS funding dispute sets the stage for tougher negotiations over ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) funding in upcoming reconciliation bills. With Congress divided on offsets and priorities, the clash underscores the complexities of advancing Trump’s border security agenda.