The Senate failed to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown on Thursday, marking the 41st day of the partial closure. Senate Democrats blocked DHS funding for the seventh time despite ongoing negotiations, prompting President Donald Trump to take executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.
Trump Intervenes Amid Democratic Resistance
President Trump announced on Truth Social that he would sign an order directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay TSA agents to address the emergency situation. 'I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports,' Trump stated. However, other DHS components, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, remain unfunded.
Senate Deadlock Continues
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso criticized Democrats for their refusal to negotiate after keeping the vote open for five hours. 'We've held the vote open for five hours to give the Democrats an opportunity to come to the table. They have not. And now, time is up,' Barrasso told reporters. Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed cautious optimism about progress in talks but acknowledged that Democrats had not yet reviewed the latest GOP proposal.
'Dems are in possession of what I think is our last and final [offer]. So let’s hope this gets it done,' Thune said.
Democrats Demand ICE Reforms
Senate Democrats reiterated their demand for stricter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reforms, rejecting GOP proposals that lacked the necessary changes. Senator Chris Murphy emphasized the caucus's unity, stating, 'We're not going to fund an immigration enforcement operation that doesn't obey the law.' Republicans, frustrated by the Democrats' shifting stance, urged them to honor previous proposals they had supported.
The shutdown continues to strain DHS operations, with no immediate resolution in sight as both parties remain entrenched in their positions.