Senate Republicans said Tuesday they have identified a framework that could break the impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security, potentially ending the partial shutdown that has caused widespread delays at airports across the country.
The proposal involves funding nearly all of DHS operations, with the exception of immigration enforcement and deportation activities under Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Once the department is largely operational again, Republicans would attempt to use the filibuster-proof reconciliation process to fund ICE and pass limited portions of Trump's SAVE America Act, according to four sources familiar with negotiations between the White House and Congress.
The framework has drawn positive reactions from both the White House and Senate Republican leadership, though Democrats say they need to see the specific legislative text before endorsing the plan.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats have expressed openness to the Republican framework but remain cautious, insisting they need to review specific provisions before committing their support.
A source familiar with Democratic thinking said senators are anxious to restore funding for TSA, which has seen workers quit by the hundreds amid the shutdown, but they are still requesting specific restrictions on ICE operations before voting for any proposal.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been in discussions with Republican counterparts about the framework. Following negotiations Monday, Democrats have indicated they will seek additional concessions once the concrete GOP proposal is released.
The source noted that while Democrats want to see DHS funded, they are unwilling to support a measure that does not include meaningful guardrails on immigration enforcement activities.
What the Right Is Saying
Senate Republicans have voiced optimism about the path forward, with several key figures expressing confidence that a deal can be reached.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who chairs the appropriations subcommittee responsible for DHS funding, said after a White House meeting: "We do" — when asked whether Republicans have a solution. She indicated she would be "working through the night" to finalize the agreement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thuna, R-S.D., told reporters Monday night: "I feel good about it," while noting some particulars still need to be resolved. He described discussions as "very positive and productive."
A White House official said conversations are ongoing but that the proposal appears to be an acceptable solution. The inclusion of some election provisions in a party-line reconciliation bill could help secure Trump's support, which Republicans view as essential to gaining enough votes for passage.
However, not all Republicans have endorsed the approach. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the chief sponsor of the SAVE America Act, warned on social media that the bill as written is likely ineligible for reconciliation, calling it "essentially impossible" to pass through that process.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Tuesday she has reservations about attempting to pass elements of the SAVE America Act through reconciliation, stating: "I don't think that's a good approach."
What the Numbers Show
The partial DHS shutdown has created significant operational disruptions. TSA workers have been quitting by the hundreds, according to Democratic sources, while passengers at airports nationwide have faced wait times extending several hours.
The proposed framework would fund all of DHS except ICE operations. Republicans plan to use reconciliation — which requires only 51 votes in the Senate — to address ICE funding and portions of the SAVE America Act, bypassing the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster.
One source familiar with the discussions said budgetary constraints would severely limit what provisions of the SAVE America Act can be included in a reconciliation bill. Potential elements under consideration include financial incentives for states to implement voter ID laws and funding for election security measures at DHS.
The plan faces additional procedural challenges. Under reconciliation rules, the bill would be subject to unlimited amendments by Democrats, who could force politically uncomfortable votes on Republicans facing voters in the fall elections when control of the Senate is at stake.
The Bottom Line
The bipartisan framework represents the most concrete path yet to ending the DHS funding impasse, but significant obstacles remain. Democrats want to see specific text before supporting the measure and are likely to demand additional restrictions on ICE operations. Republicans must also navigate internal skepticism about using reconciliation for election-related provisions and secure Trump's explicit endorsement to guarantee enough votes in both chambers.
The proposal's success depends on whether negotiators can satisfy both progressive demands for immigration enforcement limits and conservative priorities around election security — all while working within the constraints of the reconciliation process. Senate leaders have indicated they hope to move quickly if a final agreement can be reached, though no timeline has been set for a vote.