Senate Democrats blocked a proposal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the third time on Thursday, as negotiations between both parties appear to have fizzled out. The agency has been shuttered for nearly three weeks, and Democrats' latest rejection of a full-year funding bill likely ensures that the closure extends into a fourth week.
Key Takeaways
The partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues as Democrats block funding bills without immigration enforcement reforms following fatal shootings by federal agents. President Trump fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her replacement, but Democrats remain firm on their demands for ICE reforms.
- House passes DHS funding bill with 221-209 vote
- Senate Democrats block funding bill for the third time, failing to reach 60-vote threshold
- Trump fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and nominates Sen. Markwayne Mullin as replacement
- Democrats demand ICE reforms, including body cameras and banning warrantless searches
- Republicans argue that ending the impasse is urgent due to heightened security concerns
The House passed a measure to fund DHS through September in a 221 to 209 vote on Thursday. Earlier in the day, the Senate voted 51 to 45 to move forward, failing for a third time to reach a 60-vote threshold needed to advance.
Democrats have demanded sweeping changes at DHS after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis in January. They have called for federal immigration agents to cease wearing masks, begin wearing body cameras, and end warrantless searches, among other things. The White House and Republicans have pushed back on those demands.
Republicans argue that ending the impasse has grown more urgent since the beginning of the war with Iran. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said this week that 'there are always threats to the homeland that have to be addressed,' but the stakes are higher now. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said in a statement Tuesday that 'military action in Iran makes it all the more urgent and crucial to have a fully staffed, fully funded Department of Homeland Security across all departments.'
President Trump announced on Thursday that he was replacing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., adding a new twist to negotiations. Some Democrats indicated the move could help lead to a compromise.
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