Republican lawmakers point to a revised funding strategy as negotiations show signs of progress following weeks of disruption.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Discussions between President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans late Monday have renewed expectations that a resolution to the Department of Homeland Security funding impasse may be within reach, following more than a month of partial shutdown conditions.
Lawmakers leaving the White House described the talks as constructive, citing a shift in approach that could allow key homeland security operations to resume while addressing immigration enforcement funding separately. Reporting from both Punchbowl News and The Hill indicated that participants viewed the meeting as a turning point in negotiations.
At issue has been a disagreement over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with Democrats opposing provisions tied to enforcement policy while Republicans have pressed for full funding of the agency.
The proposal now under discussion would move forward with immediate funding for the majority of DHS functions, including airport security, disaster response, and maritime operations, while deferring ICE-related funding to a separate legislative track. That second phase would be pursued through the budget reconciliation process, allowing Republicans to advance the measure without requiring the 60 votes typically needed in the Senate.
Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, who participated in the meeting, said negotiators were working to finalize an agreement, describing efforts to “land this plane” as discussions intensified.
The revised framework marks a departure from earlier demands by the administration that any deal include passage of the SAVE America Act. Senate Majority Leader John Thune had previously indicated that tying the broader funding package to that measure would complicate negotiations due to opposition from Democrats.
Republican lawmakers said the updated strategy reflects a focus on restoring operations at DHS while continuing to pursue policy priorities separately. They have argued that the prolonged shutdown has disrupted services, including airport security operations, as Transportation Security Administration personnel continue working during the funding lapse.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas cited delays at airports as an example of the broader impact, stating that travelers have faced extended wait times amid the funding standoff.
Democratic lawmakers have signaled a willingness to consider a deal that restores funding for core DHS agencies but are expected to seek additional conditions related to immigration enforcement oversight.
Despite the renewed optimism, key details remain unresolved, and negotiations are ongoing as lawmakers work to reach agreement before an upcoming congressional recess.
Republican leaders said their priority is reopening DHS operations while advancing enforcement-related measures through separate legislative channels, a strategy they believe could resolve the immediate crisis while preserving longer-term policy objectives.
The shutdown, which has lasted more than five weeks, stems from disagreements over funding for immigration enforcement, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republican lawmakers said discussions at the White House produced a framework they believe could move negotiations forward.
Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, who attended the meeting, said negotiators are working to “land this plane,” describing a sense of urgency among participants to resolve the impasse.
According to lawmakers familiar with the discussions, the emerging approach would fund most DHS operations immediately, including agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Coast Guard, while addressing ICE funding separately through the budget reconciliation process.
Republican leaders said this two-step strategy could allow them to advance immigration enforcement funding without requiring Democratic support needed to overcome a Senate filibuster.
The proposal reflects a shift from earlier positions. President Trump had previously insisted that any agreement include passage of the SAVE America Act, legislation related to voter identification and citizenship verification. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that such a requirement would be difficult to achieve given Democratic opposition.
Following the meeting, Republicans said the president appeared more open to separating ICE funding from the broader DHS package, a change they view as critical to breaking the stalemate.
Republican lawmakers have argued that the shutdown has continued because Democrats oppose funding ICE at current levels. They point to disruptions affecting federal services, including longer wait times at airports as Transportation Security Administration employees continue working during the funding lapse.
“Millions of Americans right now are facing two-, three-, four-hour waits at airports … because the Democrats refuse to pay TSA,” Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said.
Democrats have indicated they may be open to a broader funding agreement that restores DHS operations but have emphasized concerns about ICE policies. Lawmakers from that party are expected to seek additional oversight measures and changes to enforcement practices as part of any final deal.
While no agreement has been finalized, negotiators from both parties are continuing discussions as pressure builds to resolve the situation before an upcoming congressional recess.
Republican leaders said their immediate priority is restoring DHS operations, while pursuing longer-term immigration and border policy goals through separate legislative channels.
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