Senate Republicans are advancing a plan to partially fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), excluding certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, as negotiations continue to resolve the five-and-a-half-week partial government shutdown. The proposal emerged following a White House meeting and could see legislative action as early as tonight.
Details of the Proposal
The plan would fund ICE investigations targeting cartels, traffickers, and child predators while leaving enforcement and removal programs unfunded. This mirrors previous Democratic proposals to fund DHS without supporting ICE operations. Senate Republicans contend they are 'calling the Democrats' bluff' by adopting this approach.
'We’re going to have to move forward and give them what they want,' said a Senate Republican source.
Challenges Ahead
The proposal will require Democratic support to secure the 60 votes needed to bypass a filibuster. However, its alignment with Democratic priorities raises questions about whether Democrats will ultimately back the plan. Additionally, the proposal remains unsynced with House Republicans, requiring coordination between the chambers to move forward.
Amid growing concerns about national security risks and airport delays, lawmakers are under pressure to end the shutdown. Republicans are also exploring ways to incorporate provisions from the SAVE America Act into a budget reconciliation package, though policy-related elements face parliamentary hurdles.