Congress Struggles to Reach Deal on Homeland Security Funding

Republican leaders split over ending partial government shutdown

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After hours of negotiations, the Senate appeared to have reached a deal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security and end a partial government shutdown. However, the agreement unraveled as it was presented to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., leading to a split among Republican leaders in Congress.

Why it matters

The inability of Congress to reach a deal on Homeland Security funding has resulted in a partial government shutdown, which has disrupted government operations and services. The divide among Republican leaders threatens to further delay a resolution and prolong the shutdown.

The details

Senators had worked through the night to craft a deal that would fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, effectively ending the partial government shutdown. However, when the agreement was presented to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., it quickly unraveled, leading to a split among Republican leaders in Congress.

  • The Senate negotiations took place in the stillness before dawn on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • Senators headed for the airports, seemingly confident of success, after handing the deal to House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The players

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Tom Emmer

The Republican House Majority Whip.

Lisa McClain

The Republican House Republican Conference Chair.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The House and Senate will need to continue negotiations to reach a compromise on Homeland Security funding and end the partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

The inability of Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement on Homeland Security funding has led to a partial government shutdown and a divide among Republican leaders, further complicating efforts to resolve the impasse.