US Senate approves DHS funding, but excludes ICE, Democrats' Schumer says - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxOQkd2N2Q4UEhHWkthcVhmb2o2Q0J1d1J1RDNOSHhpMW1reXNMUmlIV1pPWmlhVlNEaURKQld4Qm9oUXBpQ1pJMXo5ZTYtQ3lfUDlTdmI3YjEydkV4TUNyUmlwZk8tZXU1ZFdJY0tMendGR1MzOWV2LXZCVHJ4S0hYajZLWDVmTjRlV09xMmpMVWhHS1MtcVk2N2FfeWNSOUtfTUE?oc=5" target="_blank">US Senate approves DHS funding, but excludes ICE, Democrats' Schumer says</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

The U.S. Senate approved a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), covering the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Coast Guard, but excluding immigration enforcement operations like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Protection. This partial funding aims to alleviate the 42-day budget standoff that has caused widespread airport disruptions and financial stress for workers. President Trump announced immediate payment for TSA agents using funds from his 2025 tax bill, while Democrats continue to push for reform of Trump’s immigration policies. The package, approved unanimously in the Senate, now moves to the House where bipartisan support will be necessary due to internal Republican divisions and Democratic demands for stricter oversight of immigration enforcement. TSA staffing shortages have caused severe delays and airport warnings, with over 3,000 staff callouts and nearly 500 resignations reported. The funding debate follows recent public backlash over aggressive immigration raids and protests, including the deaths of two individuals in Minneapolis. The outcome remains uncertain as negotiations and political tensions intensify.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune outlined the next steps following former President Trump's unilateral move to restore pay for TSA workers during a prolonged Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which has lasted 40 days. In a message to Republican senators, Thune emphasized the importance of securing sustainable funding for the entire DHS—including ICE and Border Patrol—through the regular appropriations process. This strategy aims to allow reconciliation efforts to focus specifically on contentious issues such as ICE funding and border security. Negotiations remain stalled, as Democrats are firm on their demands for ICE reforms and new limitations on spending related to the Big Beautiful Bill Act. With bipartisan negotiations uncertain, Republicans are considering a backup plan: using a reconciliation bill to fund DHS, which would only require a simple Senate majority, bypassing the need for Democratic support. Trump's direct action to restore TSA pay adds urgency to resolving the broader DHS funding crisis.

Senate Republicans and Democrats are in a high-stakes staring contest over funding the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats refining their demands to include "guardrails" on money authorized in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. More insults were traded Wednesday than actual counteroffers. But Schumer is holding firm. "Democrats sent Republicans our counteroffer on legislation to reopen DHS ... ," Schumer said. Thune plans to go to ... . Democrats insisted they were not making ... . Frustration ran high among ... .

A proposed deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stalled amid bipartisan resistance, casting serious doubt on Congress’s ability to reach an agreement. The department has been shut down for over five weeks, and a new Republican proposal, which suggested funding all of DHS except certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, faced immediate pushback. Democrats rejected the proposal over concerns about ICE's enforcement powers continuing without reforms, while some Republicans criticized it as conceding too much to Democrats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that ICE reforms hinge on their funding, complicating negotiations further. Conservative Republicans voiced deep skepticism about relying on future reconciliation efforts, including the proposed SAVE America Act, which they doubt can pass the Senate's stringent budget rules. Senator James Lankford criticized the ongoing negotiations, accusing Democrats of shifting demands. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated partial DHS funding without ICE could garner strong Democratic support in the House. Overall, prospects for a near-term resolution remain bleak due to deep divisions on both sides over ICE funding and DHS operations.