GOP Senators Pressure House to Act as DHS Funding Deadline Looms

Republican senators are increasing pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to pass a Senate-approved bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), warning that delays could leave tens of thousands of federal workers without pay next month, The Hill reported.

Lawmakers appear to have the votes to move forward with a reconciliation package next month to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. (Photo: Homeland Security)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the Senate’s passage of a budget resolution signals that lawmakers have the votes to move forward with a reconciliation package next month to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.

He argued that this should prompt the House to approve the Senate-passed bill funding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Johnson, facing pressure from the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has said he will not move the bipartisan DHS bill until after the reconciliation package is passed.

However, GOP senators warn that this approach risks funding shortfalls. They argue that without timely action, DHS could run out of funds to pay TSA agents and other essential personnel.

“That’s certainly the hope and expectation,” Thune said when asked whether the House would act quickly following the Senate vote.