The 41-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has reached a critical tipping point as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) presented what he described as a “last and final” offer to Democrats to restore funding. The proposal comes as intense pressure builds on lawmakers to resolve the impasse before a scheduled two-week recess begins this weekend.
While Republicans have not publicly detailed the specific terms of the new framework, a procedural vote has remained open on the Senate floor since Thursday afternoon.
The move is a traditional sign that negotiations are continuing behind closed doors. At the heart of the standoff is a Democratic push for stricter oversight and restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—demands that Thune and GOP leadership have repeatedly rejected.
“The Dems are now in possession of what I think is our last and final,” Thune told reporters on his way into the chamber. “So let’s hope this gets it done.”
READ: Trump Eyes ‘Drastic Measures’ As Schumer’s DHS Shutdown Hits Breaking Point
The stakes are visible at airports across the country, where staffing shortages among unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have led to record-long security lines.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is weighing a “number of options” to ensure TSA officers receive pay, including potential unilateral action. “The best and easiest way to pay TSA agents is to fund DHS,” Leavitt said in a statement.
Despite the movement in the Senate, the path forward in the House remains uncertain. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed skepticism on Thursday regarding any proposal that would separate funding for ICE’s deportation operations from the broader DHS budget.
When asked if such a deal could clear the House, Johnson replied, “It’s a really good question.” He added that Republicans have “never been in favor of breaking the bill up” and suggested that if ICE funding were stripped out, the House might have to look at “reconciliation or some other means” to fund it.
As the clock ticks toward the weekend, Thune has not ruled out delaying the Senate’s planned break if a resolution isn’t reached.
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