Lawmakers Spar Over Homeland Security Funding Deal as Shutdown Strains Airport Security

Republicans offer to fund some DHS agencies, but Democrats demand reforms to immigration enforcement.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:13am

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U.S. Senate Republicans have sent Democrats a new offer to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which has been shut down since mid-February. The proposal would fund many DHS agencies, including FEMA and the Coast Guard, but would not provide new spending for some immigration enforcement and deportation activities. Democrats are demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of any funding deal, while Republicans argue the Democrats are unwilling to accept a compromise.

Why it matters

The partial DHS shutdown has led to long security lines and delays at airports across the country, with passengers missing flights and facing expensive rebooking fees. Both parties are under pressure to reach a bipartisan deal to fund the Transportation Security Administration and other key DHS agencies.

The details

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Republican proposal would leave the door open for the House and Senate to move another budget reconciliation bill to provide additional funding for immigration and deportation programs, which could include elements of the SAVE America Act, an elections bill backed by former President Trump. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, say they will prepare a counteroffer that includes reforms to ICE, which they have demanded since federal officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.

  • The DHS shutdown has been in effect since mid-February 2026.
  • The incident involving federal immigration officers killing two U.S. citizens occurred in Minneapolis in January 2026.

The players

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader, a Republican from South Dakota.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York.

Patty Murray

Ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a Democrat from Washington.

Chris Murphy

Top Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, from Connecticut.

James Lankford

Republican Senator from Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“This does not have any reforms in ICE. But negotiations are ongoing and they've sent us an offer and we'll be sending them an offer back. And I can assure you it will contain significant reform in it.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

“If we are talking about funding any part of ICE or CBP, we absolutely must take some key steps to rein them in. The current Republican offer in front of us does not do that.”

— Patty Murray, Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member

“We've had things like that, even in the last year, and then Democrats had things like that in the (Inflation Reduction Act) as well.”

— James Lankford, Republican Senator

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.