Democrats Stand Firm on DHS Funding
Senate Democrats are refusing a short-term funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security. This move raises the risk of a partial government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the party will not approve a continuing resolution that keeps DHS at its current funding level.
“We’re three days away from a DHS shutdown, and Republicans haven’t seriously negotiated a solution to rein in ICE and stop the violence,” Schumer wrote on X.
Countdown to the Deadline
Congress has until Friday at midnight to fund DHS. Negotiations have been ongoing behind the scenes. Over the weekend, Democrats released a 10-point proposal. Initially, Republicans were optimistic, but talks have now stalled.
GOP Counteroffer Falls Short
President Donald Trump and his administration submitted a counterproposal earlier this week. However, Democrats say it fails to meet their demands. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the original DHS bill could go to a vote Tuesday. Republicans may modify it as a four-week continuing resolution.
Thune added that legislative text from the White House could arrive Wednesday. He emphasized that the administration is “operating in good faith.”
Key Points of Contention
Democrats have called the GOP proposal “sophomoric talking points.” Some red-line issues remain, including requiring ICE agents to have judicial warrants, wear identification, and follow stricter accountability rules.
With Schumer and his caucus united, it is unclear if Republicans can gather enough votes to prevent a shutdown. They also face a 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., recently discharged from the hospital, will work from home this week but continue legislative duties.
