Republican leaders in the US Congress have proposed a two-pronged approach to resolving the legislative impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson said lawmakers are aiming to pass a short-term bill to end the partial shutdown first, followed by a long-term funding package.
Immediate goal: Reopen DHS
The initial focus is on passing legislation to fully reopen the department and ensure that federal employees are paid.
“Congress will fully reopen the department, ensure all federal workers are paid, and specifically fund immigration enforcement and border security for the next three years,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
Senate action expected during recess
Although Congress is currently in a two-week recess, the Senate is expected to take up the issue during a brief “pro forma” session on Thursday.
Lawmakers plan to overhaul DHS funding
a bill that previously passed the Senate unanimously but was rejected by the House. The bill would fund DHS through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Long-term financing plan in the works
A broader funding package covering the rest of Donald Trump’s administration is expected to take longer to complete.
Republicans are considering pushing the measure through a process that could bypass Democratic support.
Trump is pushing for quick action
President Trump said he is working closely with congressional leaders to secure funding for immigration enforcement.
“We will work as fast and focused as possible to replenish funding for our Border and ICE Agents and radical leftist Democrats will not be able to stop us. We will not allow them to hurt the families of these Great Patriots by retaliating against them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added that he wants to get the legislation done quickly, stating, “I’m asking for the bill to be on my desk NO LATER THAN June 1st.”
Focus on border security funding
The proposed legislation is expected to prioritize funding for immigration enforcement and border protection operations, a key policy focus of the administration.
