House Rules On Final Vote

House Republicans took a major step Wednesday toward restoring funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), advancing legislation aimed at ending the ongoing partial shutdown and strengthening national security during rising tensions abroad.

In a tight 211–209 vote, the House approved the rule needed to move forward with debate and a final vote on the Republican-backed DHS funding bill. Lawmakers are expected to hold the final vote on the measure Thursday.

Republicans argue that fully funding DHS is critical at a time when global threats are increasing, particularly after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran over the weekend as part of the administration’s military operation known as “Operation Epic Fury.”

GOP leaders say the situation underscores why homeland security agencies must remain fully operational.

Republicans Warn Blocking DHS Funding Threatens National Security

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) strongly criticized Democrats who continue to oppose the funding bill, urging Americans to pay close attention to how lawmakers vote.

Johnson said Americans should watch the vote closely, arguing that blocking funding for homeland security during a time of heightened global tension raises serious concerns about national safety.

Republican lawmakers say the legislation is a straightforward effort to reopen DHS operations and ensure that agencies responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and counterterrorism efforts continue functioning without interruption.

Bill Similar to Earlier DHS Funding Measure

The current proposal is largely the same as the DHS funding bill passed by the House earlier this year.

However, political tensions escalated after the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse from Minneapolis. The incident fueled criticism from Democrats and advocacy groups who have called for tighter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Republicans say the primary focus should remain on ensuring national security and preventing disruptions to homeland security operations.

Democrats Demand Changes to Immigration Enforcement

Democrats remain locked in negotiations with the White House over DHS funding and continue to push for changes to federal immigration enforcement policies.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, criticized the administration’s approach and argued that lawmakers should address concerns surrounding ICE enforcement before moving forward with the funding bill.

The dispute highlights the continuing divide in Washington over immigration enforcement and border security policies.

Moderate Democrats Could Determine Outcome

Despite strong opposition from Democratic leadership, a handful of moderate Democrats could again support the funding bill.

Earlier this year, seven Democrats joined Republicans to vote in favor of the previous DHS funding legislation.

If even a few Democrats cross party lines again, the measure could pass the House with a similar narrow margin.

Senate Fight Likely Ahead

Even if the House approves the bill, its path forward in the Senate remains uncertain.

Because Senate rules require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, Republicans will likely need at least some Democratic support to move the legislation forward.

So far, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has been the only Democrat to support advancing a full-year DHS funding proposal.

Senate Democrats blocked the previous House-passed version of the bill last week, suggesting the fight over homeland security funding could continue for some time.