Klobuchar Urges House to Pass Senate Homeland Security Funding Bill

Senator says House is holding up long-term agreement, wants to separate ICE funding

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:36pm

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Senator Amy Klobuchar is calling on the U.S. House to pass the Senate's version of a Homeland Security funding bill, which would provide long-term funding for the agency. Klobuchar says the Senate unanimously passed a measure to fund Homeland Security through next year, but the House wants a shorter-term agreement. Democrats also want to separate funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and impose reforms on the agency.

Why it matters

The dispute over Homeland Security funding highlights the ongoing political tensions between Democrats and Republicans over immigration enforcement. Klobuchar's visit to Minnesota highlights how these national debates are playing out at the local level.

The details

Klobuchar said the Senate bill funds the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) but not ICE, since ICE still has leftover funds from last year. Democrats want to force ICE agents to go without masks, ban racial profiling, and require judicial warrants before entering private property. These reforms were proposed after an operation by ICE in Minnesota earlier this year.

  • The Senate unanimously passed the Homeland Security funding measure.
  • President Trump ordered TSA workers be paid after they went unpaid in March.
  • Klobuchar visited several Minnesota businesses during her trip to Willmar.

The players

Amy Klobuchar

A U.S. Senator from Minnesota who is urging the House to pass the Senate's version of a Homeland Security funding bill.

U.S. House of Representatives

The legislative body that is holding up the long-term Homeland Security funding agreement passed by the Senate.

U.S. Senate

The legislative body that unanimously passed a measure to fund Homeland Security through next year.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that Democrats want to separate funding for and impose reforms on, including banning racial profiling and requiring judicial warrants before entering private property.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency that is funded in the Senate's version of the Homeland Security funding bill.

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What they’re saying

“The Senate unanimously passed a measure to fund the agency through next year, but The House wants it shorter-term.”

— Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The House will need to decide whether to pass the Senate's version of the Homeland Security funding bill or push for a shorter-term agreement.

The takeaway

The dispute over Homeland Security funding highlights the ongoing political tensions between Democrats and Republicans over immigration enforcement, with Democrats seeking reforms to ICE while Republicans push for continued funding. The outcome could have significant implications for federal agencies and immigration policy.