House Republicans Warn Senate Against Changing DHS Funding Bill

House Republicans warn that any Senate changes to the DHS funding bill could trigger a government shutdown ahead of the January deadline.

Shutdown Threat Looms as Immigration Dispute Escalates

House Republicans are warning the Senate not to alter a government funding package that includes money for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), cautioning that any changes could derail the bill and trigger a partial government shutdown ahead of the January 30 deadline.

The six-bill funding package, already passed by the House, covers most discretionary government spending, including DHS, Defense, Transportation, and Health and Human Services. GOP leaders argue the agreement was negotiated on a bipartisan, bicameral basis and should move forward without amendments.

Democrats Push for Immigration Reforms

Democrats are seeking last-minute changes to DHS funding following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. Senate Democrats have called for reforms including limits on ICE roving patrols, stricter warrant rules, mandatory body cameras, a universal use-of-force code, and a ban on federal officers wearing masks.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats are willing to pass the remaining five funding bills but would block the entire package unless DHS funding is removed or reworked.

House GOP Draws a Firm Line

House Republican leaders and members of the Freedom Caucus say such changes would not pass the House and accuse Democrats of using DHS funding as leverage.

“The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” the House Freedom Caucus said in a letter to President Trump.

Hard-line conservatives warned that if Democrats force a showdown, Republicans may seek alternative paths to fund DHS without Democratic support, including changes to Senate filibuster rules or using budget reconciliation.

Senate Divisions Add Uncertainty

Some Senate Republicans, including Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, have expressed openness to splitting DHS funding from the rest of the package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the option remains on the table, though he emphasized that keeping the package intact remains the preferred path.

Any Senate changes, however, would require the House to revote on the entire package a difficult task given Republicans’ razor-thin majority and internal divisions.

Key Republicans Urge Negotiation, Not Brinkmanship

Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee overseeing DHS funding, acknowledged concerns over federal immigration enforcement but criticized tying reforms to shutdown threats.

“I’m fine talking about anything,” Amodei said, “but not with somebody’s hand on the switch threatening to defund the department.”

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Standoff Before the Deadline

With days left before government funding expires, both chambers face mounting pressure to reach an agreement. While Senate Democrats push for immigration reforms and some Republicans signal flexibility, House conservatives remain firm that DHS funding must stay intact.

Unless lawmakers find common ground quickly, the dispute risks a short-term funding lapse adding yet another chapter to Washington’s ongoing battle over immigration policy, law enforcement authority, and political leverage.