DHS shutdown: After meeting Trump, Senate lawmakers hint at breakthrough for funding deal
WASHINGTON, DC: The US Senate is moving closer to a potential agreement to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has lasted for six weeks and disrupted key services, including air travel.
Lawmakers signaled progress following meetings at the White House, raising expectations of a resolution later this week.
The shutdown, which began in mid-February, has been tied to disagreements over immigration enforcement and election-related legislation. Negotiations have intensified amid mounting pressure to restore full operations.
Senate Republicans meet Trump, discuss DHS funding
Republican senators expressed optimism after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, March 23, evening. Upon returning to Capitol Hill, lawmakers indicated that a potential path forward was taking shape.
When asked whether Republicans had a plan for the DHS funding impasse, Sen Katie Britt from Alabama told reporters, “We do.”
Senators said discussions were ongoing, with legislative text still being finalized. Sen Angus King, an independent from Maine, said, “We're waiting to see something in writing to see exactly what the proposal is,” adding, “So I'm hopeful that we can get through this and fund these agencies.”
The emerging proposal is expected to fund most agencies under DHS, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Coast Guard. However, funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) deportation operations is likely to be excluded from the initial agreement.
Lawmakers indicated that resolving the shutdown remains a priority after weeks of stalled negotiations. The impasse has affected multiple federal functions and increased pressure on both parties to reach a compromise.
Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins said further discussions were expected, adding, “I'm more optimistic that by the end of the week we will fund the Department of Homeland Security.”
ICE funding, SAVE America Act key to next phase of negotiations
Under the proposed framework, Republicans are expected to pursue funding for ICE separately through the budget reconciliation process.
This approach would allow them to bypass the Senate’s usual 60-vote threshold, enabling passage with a simple majority, provided the measures meet budgetary requirements.
The reconciliation package may also include provisions from the proposed SAVE America Act, which seeks to impose stricter voting requirements, such as proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandatory photo identification.
The bill has faced strong opposition from Democrats, complicating efforts to incorporate it into broader negotiations.
The shutdown began on February 14, after Democrats declined to support funding for DHS without reforms to ICE. Their stance followed two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis in January, which intensified calls for changes to immigration enforcement practices.
Earlier on Monday, March 23, Trump had urged Republicans not to finalize a deal unless it included provisions tied to the SAVE America Act, adding complexity to the talks.
However, after the White House meeting with Republican senators including Steve Daines, Bernie Moreno, and Lindsey Graham, lawmakers indicated that a compromise was within reach.
While details of the agreement are still being worked out, senators from both parties have expressed cautious optimism that the prolonged shutdown could soon come to an end, restoring full funding to DHS operations while leaving more contentious issues to be addressed separately.
