Bacon Urges GOP Compromise on DHS Funding Demands

Republican congressman suggests body cameras as 'easy' concession to Democrats to end government shutdown

Feb. 19, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) called on Republican senators to find "some low-hanging fruit" among Democratic demands for reform within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to end the partial government shutdown. Bacon suggested that mandatory body cameras for federal immigration officers could be an "easy" compromise, while criticizing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's rhetoric around recent immigration enforcement incidents.

Why it matters

The ongoing funding fight over DHS has led to a partial government shutdown, disrupting agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard and TSA. Bacon's comments indicate a willingness among some Republicans to make concessions on certain Democratic reform proposals in order to restore funding and end the impasse.

The details

Bacon said Republicans have two options: "play hardball" or identify potential areas of compromise with Democrats. He specifically pointed to the Democratic demand for mandatory body cameras on federal immigration officers as an "obvious" and "easy" concession Republicans could make. This comes after DHS Secretary Noem announced that all federal immigration officers in Minneapolis would immediately begin wearing body cameras, with plans for nationwide expansion.

  • The partial government shutdown has been ongoing for several days.
  • Bacon made his comments during an appearance on MS NOW on February 17, 2026.

The players

Rep. Don Bacon

A Republican congressman from Nebraska who is urging his party to find compromise with Democrats on DHS funding demands.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who has faced criticism for her rhetoric around recent immigration enforcement incidents.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who was sent to oversee DHS operations in Minnesota in response to political fallout.

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What they’re saying

“We could play hardball, because this really is another Schumer-Jeffries shutdown … I think the better option, though, is being America first. Let's see if we can find some low-hanging fruit that both the Democrats [and] Republicans can support.”

— Rep. Don Bacon, Republican Congressman from Nebraska (MS NOW)

“I think that's an easy one. We may be able to find a couple more like that.”

— Rep. Don Bacon, Republican Congressman from Nebraska (MS NOW)

What’s next

Lawmakers appear no closer to reaching a deal that would end the shutdown despite ongoing negotiations. Senate Democrats have been trading counterproposals with the White House, but no details have been provided on the latest offer sent on Monday night.

The takeaway

This case highlights the political dynamics at play in the DHS funding fight, with Republicans like Bacon signaling a willingness to compromise on certain reform proposals in order to end the disruptive government shutdown, while Democrats continue to push for more sweeping changes to immigration enforcement practices.