Trump Backs GOP Leaders' Two-Track Plan to Fund Homeland Security

Republicans aim to bypass Democrats and use budget reconciliation to fund key immigration agencies.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:36pm

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President Donald Trump is backing a new plan by GOP leaders to end the nearly seven-week partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The plan involves funding the bulk of DHS through a regular appropriations bill, while using the budget reconciliation process to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol separately. This would allow Republicans to pass the immigration enforcement funding with a simple majority in the Senate, avoiding a Democratic filibuster.

Why it matters

The DHS funding impasse has now stretched to 47 days, marking it as the longest partial government shutdown in history. The shutdown has had widespread effects, including hours-long waits and disruptions at airports as TSA officers have quit in large numbers. Republicans hope this two-track plan will allow them to fully fund DHS while insulating key immigration agencies from future attempts to cut their funding.

The details

Under the proposal endorsed by Trump, Congress would fund the bulk of DHS - including the TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard - through a regular appropriations bill that would run through September. Separately, Republicans would launch a reconciliation effort to fund ICE and Border Patrol. This would prevent Democrats from 'defunding those agencies' going forward, as Republicans have accused them of wanting to do. Democrats have refused to support funding for ICE and Border Patrol without new restrictions on how those agencies operate.

  • The DHS funding impasse has now stretched to 47 days, marking it as the longest partial government shutdown in history.
  • Trump called for Congress to put the bill on his desk by June 1.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is backing the GOP leaders' two-track plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Mike Johnson

The House Speaker who announced the plan to end the DHS shutdown, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader who announced the plan to end the DHS shutdown, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who accused Republicans of derailing bipartisan progress and making 'American families pay the price' for the shutdown.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader who called for funding the DHS agencies that do not support 'Donald Trump's violent mass deportation machine.'

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What they’re saying

“We are going to work as fast, and as focused, as possible to replenish funding for our Border and ICE Agents, and the Radical Left Democrats won't be able to stop us.”

— Donald Trump

“Reconciliation is never easy, always complicated.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

“Their refusal to accept a Senate deal has made 'American families pay the price.'”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

“Funding the DHS agencies that do not support 'Donald Trump's violent mass deportation machine.'”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

What’s next

The Senate could move as soon as Thursday to pass a funding bill for DHS - excluding ICE and Border Patrol - while Republicans prepare a separate reconciliation package.

The takeaway

This two-track plan highlights the ongoing partisan divide over immigration enforcement, with Republicans seeking to protect funding for ICE and Border Patrol while Democrats demand new restrictions on those agencies. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of DHS and immigration policy.