Lawmakers Expecting DHS Shutdown
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasingly likely to expire late next week, according to lawmakers in both parties, as negotiations break down over Democratic demands for new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If funding lapses, the consequences would extend far beyond immigration enforcement. A shutdown would also impact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard—raising concerns about airport security, disaster response, and emergency preparedness nationwide.
Republicans have rejected the proposed changes, arguing they would significantly limit federal law enforcement’s ability to carry out its mission. GOP negotiators say the demands are unrealistic under the current timeline and risk undermining public safety rather than improving accountability.
Democrats, however, have signaled they are prepared to block another short-term funding extension when the current stopgap expires on February 13, unless their proposals are addressed.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said he does not expect a deal to come together in the limited time remaining, particularly after Democratic leaders released a detailed reform framework earlier this week.
“With barely more than a week left, it’s hard to see how this gets resolved,” Thune said, adding that negotiations appear stalled.
Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, the lead Republican negotiator, criticized the proposal as overly expansive and said it does not reflect serious compromise efforts.
Several Democrats who previously supported ending last year’s lengthy government shutdown are now indicating they will not do so again without changes to immigration enforcement policies. One Democratic senator, speaking anonymously, said party leadership remains unified on the issue.
At the same time, lawmakers from both parties acknowledge the risks of a DHS shutdown. TSA disruptions could lead to long airport lines and travel delays, while FEMA funding concerns come as parts of the country continue to recover from severe winter storms.
In an effort to avoid a full shutdown, some Democrats suggested funding agencies such as TSA and FEMA separately while excluding ICE and CBP. Republicans quickly dismissed the idea, noting that immigration enforcement funding was already approved through multi-year legislation signed into law last year.
Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins of Maine said separating DHS agencies would be impractical due to how closely their operations are connected.
As the deadline approaches, Senate leaders are also urging lawmakers to reconsider upcoming overseas travel plans during the Presidents Day recess. With TSA funding uncertain, some aides warn that international travel could draw criticism if airport security operations are disrupted.
Several senators were scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference alongside NATO allies. While lawmakers emphasize the importance of maintaining international relationships, the unresolved funding standoff has raised questions about timing and priorities.
With negotiations at a standstill, Congress appears headed toward another high-stakes funding deadline—one that could impact travel, emergency response, and national security if no agreement is reached.
