Republican leaders in the US Congress have proposed a two-pronged approach to resolve the legislative impasse over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said lawmakers aim to first pass a short-term bill to end the partial shutdown, followed by a longer-term funding package.
Immediate goal: Reopen DHS
The initial focus is on passing a bill to fully reopen the department and ensure federal employees are paid.
“Congress will fully reopen the Department, make sure 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 move 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 revisit a DHS funding bill that previously passed the Senate unanimously but was rejected by the House. The bill would fund DHS through September 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Long-term funding plan in works
A broader funding package covering the remainder of Donald Trump’s administration is expected to take longer to finalize.
Republicans are considering advancing this measure through a process that could bypass Democratic support.
Trump pushes for swift action
President Trump said he is working closely with congressional leaders to secure funding for immigration enforcement.
“We are going to work as fast, and as focused, as possible to replenish funding for our Border and ICE Agents, and the Radical Left Democrats won’t be able to stop us. We will not allow them to hurt the families of these Great Patriots by defunding them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added that he wants the legislation finalized quickly, stating: “I am asking that the Bill be on my desk NO LATER than June 1st.”
Focus on border security funding
The proposed legislation is expected to prioritise funding for immigration enforcement and border security operations, a key policy focus for the administration.
