DHS Funding Standoff and Election Bill Clash in Congress

A proposal is emerging on Capitol Hill to fund critical parts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as travelers face long lines and missed flights due to TSA officer shortages. Though, the plan faces opposition from both President Trump and Senate Democrats.

Funding DHS Amidst Shutdown

For over a month, Republicans sought an agreement to fully fund DHS. Funding lapsed in mid-February due to disagreements over immigration enforcement. GOP leadership proposed funding most of the department, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) enforcement and removal operations.

Democrats are hesitant to approve additional funding for ICE without significant reforms regarding the tactics of immigration officers, following two U.S. Citizen deaths in Minneapolis earlier this year. They seek requirements for judicial warrants for entering homes and businesses, and a ban on face coverings for agents.

Trump’s Demand: The SAVE America Act

President Trump is also refusing to support any deal that doesn’t include the SAVE America Act, an overhaul of federal elections. He stated, ““I think any deal they make, I’m pretty much not happy with it,”” and has vowed not to sign other legislation until this bill is passed.

The 40-day DHS shutdown has left federal employees handling airport security, disaster response, and cybersecurity without pay. TSA acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeil expressed concern about the long-term impact on security posture and the workforce during a House hearing on Wednesday.

Reconciliation as a Potential Path Forward

Senate Republicans are considering using the budget reconciliation process to pass parts of the SAVE America Act alongside the remaining DHS funding. This process was successfully used last year to pass Trump administration priorities.

The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship and photo ID to register and vote. While it passed the House, it lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster in the Senate.

Some Republicans, like Senator Mike Lee, question whether the elections bill can even pass through reconciliation due to Senate rules regarding budgetary impact. However, Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham announced the Budget Committee is moving forward with creating a reconciliation bill to secure the homeland and protect elections.

Key Takeaways

• A DHS funding deal remains elusive due to disagreements over ICE reforms and President Trump’s demand for the SAVE America Act.
• The DHS shutdown is impacting travelers and federal employees.
• Republicans are exploring the reconciliation process as a potential path forward, but its success is uncertain.