House Votes for Eight-Week DHS Extension
The House approved a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security in full for eight weeks until May 22. The vote split 213 in favor and 203 against, with Representatives Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington joining all Republicans to support it. This action followed House Speaker Mike Johnson rejecting a Senate-passed alternative, which he called a "joke" for excluding key agencies.
Senate Democrats Vow to Block the Bill
After House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected the Senate-passed bill, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer declared the House bill "dead on arrival," stating Democrats would not provide the votes needed to advance it. The Senate had unanimously passed its own measure earlier Friday morning. Senators left for a two-week recess and plan to return on Monday, April 13. This stance reflects ongoing disputes over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, which the Senate bill omitted.
Republican Leaders Push for Full Funding
House Speaker Mike Johnson argued the Senate plan failed to address border security, insisting the House version covers all DHS agencies at current levels. Johnson said he spoke with President Trump, who supports the House bill. Trump criticized the Senate approach, saying it "wasn't good" and "wasn't appropriate." Trump also signed an executive order directing DHS to pay TSA workers, an action that sources indicate eased pressure on lawmakers to reach a broader funding deal. Conservative figures like Representative Chip Roy of Texas called the Senate bill "offensive" for neglecting enforcement priorities.
Worker Pay Amid Shutdown Stalemate
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pay Transportation Security Administration employees, with paychecks starting as early as Monday. This step addresses the 42-day shutdown's impact on TSA workers; 510 had quit as of Friday afternoon. The shutdown continues to disrupt airport operations, affecting travelers' daily routines through longer security lines and delayed services.
The sources also report that 510 TSA officers had quit by Friday afternoon due to the ongoing shutdown.
Next Steps in the Funding Fight
The Senate, on a two-week recess, is not planning to return until April 13. The House-passed bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate, where Democrats have vowed to block it. This impasse risks deeper effects on government operations, including pay for hundreds of thousands of workers at national security agencies.
The sources also report that Democrats are demanding reforms following fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minnesota by federal agents.