Potential DHS Funding Deal Takes Shape, But Roadblocks Remain

Senators and the White House optimistic about a solution, but Democrats still have concerns over ICE reforms.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:45pm

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Senators on both sides of the aisle and the White House are increasingly optimistic that a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is on the horizon, as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines grow at airports and lawmakers feel the pressure. However, Democrats are still blocking DHS funding and demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following recent shootings by federal law enforcement.

Why it matters

The partial shutdown of DHS has stretched into its 39th day, causing growing concerns as TSA lines increase at airports across the country and tens of thousands of workers, including TSA officers, go without pay. Reaching a funding deal for DHS is crucial to maintaining national security and preventing further disruptions to travel and federal operations.

The details

Some Senate Republicans are coalescing around a proposal to fund every agency inside DHS except for immigration enforcement and removal operations. This would allow components like Homeland Security Investigations, which handles human smuggling cases, to continue operating. Democrats have been open to this piecemeal funding approach for weeks, although they have not yet publicly agreed to anything. The White House is also involved in the negotiations, with a senior official stating that 'conversations are ongoing but this deal seems to be acceptable'.

  • The partial shutdown of DHS has stretched into its 39th day.
  • Republican Sen. Katie Britt and other GOP negotiators met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

The players

Katie Britt

A Republican senator and key negotiator for the GOP on the DHS funding deal.

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator who was later confirmed to be the DHS secretary.

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator involved in the DHS funding negotiations.

Bernie Moreno

A Republican senator involved in the DHS funding negotiations.

Steve Daines

A Republican senator involved in the DHS funding negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats and Republicans have been trying to come to some negotiation, and I'm hearing that there is a potential solution.”

— Raphael Warnock, Democratic senator

What’s next

It's not yet clear how an emerging deal factors in President Trump's demand over the weekend that Republicans not make a deal with Democrats on DHS funding without also passing his SAVE America Act, which includes provisions on voting and gender-affirming care. The legislation may also be included in a future reconciliation bill, although nothing is set in stone.

The takeaway

Reaching a funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security is crucial to maintaining national security and preventing further disruptions to travel and federal operations. While progress has been made, with senators and the White House optimistic about a solution, Democrats still have concerns over ICE reforms that need to be addressed before a final deal can be reached.