Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans have rejected a Senate-approved deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), opting instead for a 60-day funding bill that maintains current spending levels. The Senate bill had excluded funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and portions of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a move that House Republicans deemed insufficient to address critical national security and border enforcement needs.
Republican Response
Johnson stated that the House proposal ensures continuity in DHS operations without compromising on immigration enforcement, which remains a priority for the GOP. "Our approach keeps vital agencies funded while upholding our commitment to border security," Johnson said, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining ICE and CBP funding.
"Our approach keeps vital agencies funded while upholding our commitment to border security." — Speaker Mike Johnson
Senate Deal Criticized
The Senate bill, which passed narrowly, faced immediate backlash from House Republicans who argued that withholding funding from ICE and CBP undermines efforts to manage illegal immigration and protect American sovereignty. Critics also noted that the partial shutdown, now in its second week, has strained resources for federal agencies tasked with safeguarding the homeland.
The House’s 60-day funding bill is expected to face pushback in the Senate, where some lawmakers have called for a comprehensive solution rather than short-term fixes. Meanwhile, the partial shutdown continues to disrupt DHS operations, raising concerns over its long-term impact on national security and border enforcement.