WireMarch 24, 2026 at 6:01 PM
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Senate Republicans have moved closer to resolving the prolonged Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown after a breakthrough meeting with former President Donald Trump on Monday night. The proposal focuses on funding most DHS agencies while addressing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a separate reconciliation bill.
The deal, led by Republican Sens. Katie Britt, Lindsey Graham, Bernie Moreno, and Steve Daines, excludes ICE funding from the immediate DHS package. Instead, ICE would be tackled alongside the SAVE America Act in a reconciliation bill, a process requiring only 51 votes. However, the House Freedom Caucus has expressed skepticism, calling the move "gaslighting" and "failure theater."
"We ought to be able to enact some reforms to give the Treasury more power. For example, withholding funds from states that simply won’t provide information and don’t have the proper controls," said Sen. Ron Johnson.
Republican Sen. James Lankford cautioned that finalizing the reconciliation package could take a month or more, with the process likely beginning after the Easter recess concludes on April 12. The legislation must navigate the budget committee, floor debates, and multiple amendment votes before reaching agreement with the House.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sees potential in the deal but aims to secure additional ICE reforms. Meanwhile, skepticism remains among some senators, with Sen. Rick Scott calling the reconciliation approach a "pipe dream."
The deal prioritizes funding for agencies like the Transportation Security Administration, Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, while Customs and Border Protection would also be included in the proposed package.