Republicans tout a deal to end DHS shutdown and airport delays

Key Points:

• Senate Republicans are optimistic about a new plan to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by funding all areas except immigration enforcement under ICE, aiming to quickly resume TSA operations and reduce airport delays.
• The plan involves using the reconciliation process later to fund ICE and pass parts of the SAVE America Act, an election bill favored by President Trump, though budget constraints may limit which provisions can pass without Democratic support.
• Senate leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune, describe negotiations as positive, but the proposal still requires approval from House Republicans and President Trump’s endorsement to secure enough votes.
• Democrats are cautiously open to the proposal but want to see specific language and seek additional restrictions on ICE operations before agreeing to fund DHS.
• Some Republicans, including Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. Susan Collins, express skepticism about passing the SAVE America Act through reconciliation due to procedural challenges and political risks ahead of the fall elections.