House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced Monday that he has crafted a modified version of the bipartisan Senate bill aimed at funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), calling the original measure's language problematic. The move threatens to prolong the record-breaking DHS shutdown, now stretching over two months, as the two chambers clash over how to fund immigration enforcement agencies.
The Senate-passed bill, part of a two-step appropriations process, would fund most of DHS but Republicans want to handle Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol separately through budget reconciliation, avoiding a Senate filibuster. Johnson told reporters the Senate bill was haphazardly drafted and contains problematic provisions, but his modified version preserves most of the substance while ensuring ICE and Border Patrol are not left out.
We have a modified version that I think is going to be much better for both chambers, Johnson said. It doesn't change most of the substance, but it makes sure that we're not going to orphan two of the primary agencies of DHS. We have to make sure that immigration law is enforced and that the border is safe and secure. Democrats don't want to have any part of that, so unfortunately, we have to do that on our own.
Any House changes to the Senate bill will require Senate approval, setting up a potential legislative standoff. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) defended the original approach, telling Punchbowl News that funding for all other DHS agencies was already secured through appropriations, and the reconciliation process provides certainty for ICE and Border Patrol. I think we did everything we can to ensure that everything is appropriately funded, Thune said.
The standoff comes as DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned last week that funding for DHS employees will run out by the first week of May, adding urgency to the negotiations. The Senate has already adopted a budget blueprint for the reconciliation bill, and House GOP leaders plan to bring their version to the floor this week. However, they face potential resistance from hard-line conservatives who are debating the legislation's size and scope.
President Trump weighed in Monday on Truth Social, urging House Republicans to unify and pass the budget blueprint. House Republicans must UNIFY, and pass the same Blueprint to get the Bill done, he wrote. I've asked for the final Bill on my desk by June 1st, and we can make that deadline if we keep to the plan, FAST and FOCUSED.
The dispute over DHS funding echoes broader partisan tensions over immigration enforcement. Johnson has previously pushed Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to advance DHS funding, while Democrats have called for a bipartisan panel on political violence following recent security incidents. The outcome of this funding fight could set the stage for further clashes over border policy and government spending.
As the shutdown deadline looms, pressure is mounting on both parties to reach a deal. The modified House bill must clear the Senate, where it could face amendments or rejection, potentially forcing a conference committee or further delays. With DHS workers facing a pay crisis by May, the political stakes are high for Johnson, Thune, and the White House.
