Backdoor Funding of Homeland Security Agency Could Weaken Congress Anew

The New York Times • March 31, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

Republicans plan to use special filibuster-proof legislation, known as reconciliation, to fund the Homeland Security Department for the next three years, bypassing Democratic opposition to funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol.
This approach marks a significant departure from traditional congressional practice and could set a precedent for future use of reconciliation to circumvent partisan disagreements over spending.
The Trump administration has already used a slush fund from last year’s tax and domestic policy law to finance key parts of the department during its seven-week shutdown.
Critics, including Senator Chris Coons, argue that relying on reconciliation for core government funding undermines legislative accountability and is a poor way to manage appropriations.