Trump to Address Unpaid Homeland Security Employees Amid Shutdown
President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an order to compensate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees who have been unpaid during the ongoing partial government shutdown. This shutdown, which has reached 48 days, is the longest in history. The President shared this update via social media, indicating relief for affected workers.
Despite this intervention, some DHS funding may remain unresolved into the following week. The House is considering a Senate proposal, previously rejected, to finance most of the department’s operations, excluding immigration enforcement. Trump had previously taken similar action to resume pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff, who had been calling out from work, causing delays at airport security checkpoints.
“Nevertheless, help is on the way for our Brave and Patriotic Public Servants who have continued to work hard, and do their part to protect and defend our Country,” Trump stated, emphasizing that these families “have suffered far too long.”
Congressional Stalemate Continues
No legislative resolution was reached on Thursday as both the House and Senate participated in brief pro forma sessions. However, Republican leaders, along with President Trump, have agreed on a plan to fully fund DHS in a phased approach. This agreement marks a shift towards resolving the impasse that previously left Congress at odds before the spring recess.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., put aside the House’s 60-day funding proposal for DHS. The House did not address the bipartisan Senate plan, though Thune anticipates eventual approval. “I don’t know the particulars around what the House will do with it,” Thune commented. “My assumption is, at some point, hopefully, they’ll move it.”
Shift in Strategy
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Thune announced a return to the Senate measure, leaving out funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol. Republicans plan to address this through separate party-line legislation, which could take months. Johnson’s recent support for the two-track approach marks a reversal from his earlier criticism of the plan as a “joke.”
Public pressure intensified after lawmakers left Washington without a resolution, as highlighted by paparazzi-style images of lawmakers at airports. Johnson is now working to rally support within his party, though internal opposition remains. House Republicans plan to discuss further steps in a conference call.
ICE and Border Patrol Funding Remains Contentious
While Democrats in both chambers supported the Senate’s plan, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized House Republicans for inaction, stating, “The deep division and dysfunction among House Republicans is needlessly extending the DHS shutdown and hurting federal workers who are missing another paycheck.”
Johnson aims to garner support from conservative members, aided by Trump’s recent expressions of gratitude towards Thune and Johnson. Trump emphasized Republican unity, writing, “Republicans are UNIFIED, and moving forward on a plan that will reload funding for our FANTASTIC Border Patrol and Immigration Enforcement Officers.”
Many Republicans insist on including ICE and Border Patrol in any funding agreement. Representative Scott Perry, R-Pa., expressed opposition to excluding these agencies, asserting, “If that’s the vote, I’m a NO.”
The upcoming budget package sought by Trump is expected to secure ICE and Border Patrol funding through his term, aiming to shield these agencies from Democratic opposition. Trump has called for the legislation by June 1. Thune noted potential challenges to this strategy, such as efforts to broaden the bill’s scope, and emphasized the need for a focused approach.
The majority of DHS employees have continued working without pay during the shutdown. TSA agents began receiving back pay, reducing airport delays. About 10,000 FEMA workers are paid through non-lapsing funds, while around 4,000 are either furloughed or working without pay.
