Trump rejects off-ramp to fund DHS as airport delays worsen
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune and President Trump discussed a proposal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) excluding ICE, aiming to reopen TSA and reduce airport delays amid the shutdown.
- The plan would have Democrats fund non-controversial DHS parts while Republicans pass ICE funding separately through a party-line reconciliation bill, but Trump rejected this off-ramp, insisting on linking DHS funding to his "SAVE America Act" and voter ID requirements.
- Democrats have repeatedly sought to fund TSA alone, but Republicans have refused, prolonging the shutdown that has caused TSA staffing shortages and unpaid workers, while ICE remains funded through previous legislation.
- Republicans see the Thune proposal as a possible compromise to end the shutdown without conceding on immigration enforcement restrictions, but Trump’s rejection and the slim GOP majority make progress uncertain.
- The shutdown continues amid political brinkmanship, with Democrats blaming Trump for the crisis and Republicans considering canceling recess to force a resolution, while reconciliation remains a challenging but potential path for ICE funding.
