Potential DHS Funding Deal Taking Shape, But Roadblocks Remain

Senators and the White House appear optimistic about a solution, but Democrats have not yet agreed to the proposal.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 11:45pm

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Senators on both sides of the aisle, as well as 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. Some Senate Republicans are proposing to fund every agency inside DHS except for immigration enforcement and removal operations, while Democrats have been open to this piecemeal funding approach for weeks. However, it's not yet clear how an emerging deal factors in President Trump's demand that Republicans not make a deal with Democrats on DHS funding without also passing his SAVE America Act, which includes restrictions on mail-in ballots, gender-affirming care, and other controversial provisions.

Why it matters

The partial shutdown of the 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. The potential deal could provide a path forward, but the inclusion of the SAVE America Act provisions could complicate negotiations.

The details

Republican Sen. Katie Britt, a key negotiator for the GOP, said there was a solution on DHS funding after meeting with President Trump at the White House. Some Senate Republicans are proposing to fund every agency inside DHS except for immigration enforcement and removal operations, which could allow components like Homeland Security Investigations to continue operating. Democrats have been open to this piecemeal funding approach for weeks, but have not yet publicly agreed to anything. The potential deal does not yet factor in President Trump's demand that Republicans not make a deal with Democrats on DHS funding without also passing his SAVE America Act, which includes restrictions on mail-in ballots, gender-affirming care, and other controversial provisions.

  • The partial shutdown of the DHS has stretched into its 39th day.
  • President Trump signed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' into law last summer, providing a $75 billion cash infusion to ICE over five years.

The players

Katie Britt

A Republican senator and a 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 and negotiator on the DHS funding deal.

Bernie Moreno

A Republican senator and negotiator on the DHS funding deal.

Steve Daines

A Republican senator and negotiator on the DHS funding deal.

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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 that Republican not make a deal with Democrats on DHS funding without also passing his SAVE America Act. Even if the Senate agrees on a deal and passes it, it would still need to go back to the House.

The takeaway

The potential DHS funding deal represents progress, but significant hurdles remain, including the inclusion of the controversial SAVE America Act provisions and the need for approval in both the Senate and House. The partial shutdown of the DHS continues to cause growing concerns as TSA lines increase and workers go without pay.