House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) are publicly sparring over Homeland Security (DHS) funding, complicating efforts to end the ongoing 72-day government shutdown. The disagreement centers on the Senate-passed DHS appropriations bill, which Johnson seeks to modify to secure House support. The stalemate threatens to prolong the shutdown, risking operational disruptions at DHS agencies, including ICE and Border Patrol.
Funding Tensions Escalate
The Senate's DHS bill, which twice passed the upper chamber, faces resistance in the House due to language that effectively 'zeroes out' funding for ICE and Border Patrol. Johnson criticized the bill's drafting as 'haphazard' and proposed a modified version, claiming it would be 'much better for both chambers.' However, these changes would require Senate reapproval, delaying resolution.
'It has some problematic language because it was haphazardly drafted,' Johnson said. 'We have a modified version that I think is going to be much better for both chambers.'
Thune's Diplomatic Pushback
While Thune publicly expressed willingness to collaborate with Johnson, his frustration was evident. 'I think we did everything we can to ensure that everything is appropriately funded,' he stated. Despite his openness to negotiation, Thune emphasized the Senate's commitment to fully funding DHS operations.
The impasse risks extending the shutdown into mid-May, leaving DHS reliant on dwindling stopgap funds to pay staff. Both leaders face mounting pressure from their respective caucuses to resolve the standoff, but their public postures complicate private negotiations.