Photo: Alamy
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will move forward with its own proposal to fund the Department of Homeland Security as a prolonged funding delay continues in Washington.
The department has been partially shut down since mid-February, with Democrats opposing legislation that includes funding for immigration enforcement agencies such as ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Johnson said the Senate’s approach to funding DHS through the budget reconciliation process contains flaws that House Republicans want to address.
“We have to make sure that immigration law is enforced, and the border is safe and secure,” Johnson told reporters.
Johnson also posted concerns to X that Democrats are refusing to help protect Americans.
“Democrats have decided they don’t want to be any part of funding the vital agencies that protect the HOMELAND, enforce immigration law, and keep the border secured and safe. Events like Saturday night illustrate how foolish it is to be playing political games with Homeland Security,” he posted.
Any House-passed measure would still need Senate approval, where Democrats are expected to continue opposing provisions tied to immigration enforcement.
Some Republicans have escalated their rhetoric in recent days, calling for changes to Senate rules. Ron Johnson suggested eliminating the filibuster to pass DHS funding with a simple majority.
Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has warned that emergency funding to keep DHS employees paid could run out by the end of April, increasing pressure on lawmakers to reach an agreement.
“On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer told us why Democrats have kept @dhsgov shutdown: They have no respect for the law enforcement keeping our homeland safe. I will not tolerate the disrespect of these heroes. Democrats must END this reckless DHS shutdown NOW,” he posted last week.
