Republicans are expressing skepticism that negotiations with Democrats and the White House will produce an agreement on immigration enforcement reforms in the coming days, raising the possibility of a longer-term funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Current funding for DHS is set to expire on Feb. 13, and lawmakers remain divided over key policy issues. Republicans say bridging the gap between Democratic priorities and GOP demands within a short timeframe appears unlikely, prompting discussions about a stopgap measure to keep the department funded.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has rejected proposals to expand warrant requirements for federal immigration operations, describing judicial warrants as “unimplementable” and unnecessary. Johnson has also defended current immigration enforcement practices, including the use of masks by federal officers, and has suggested that any compromise should address policies involving so-called sanctuary cities.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Johnson’s stance, saying the Speaker has put forward what he described as unreasonable positions during negotiations.
The divide between the two parties helps explain why Republicans initially sought a funding extension lasting between one month and six weeks. The White House ultimately agreed to a shorter, two-week measure approved by the House earlier this week.
However, many Republicans have expressed reluctance to continue passing short-term extensions. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, said lawmakers should consider funding DHS through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 if negotiations do not produce swift progress.
“If we don’t do it by the middle of next week, we’re just going to have to pass another continuing resolution,” Harris said, suggesting a full-year extension could help resolve ongoing uncertainty.
DHS remains the only part of the federal government not yet funded through the end of the fiscal year. The debate comes amid heightened political tensions following recent incidents involving immigration enforcement that have intensified scrutiny of federal policy.
Speaker Johnson has maintained a public tone of optimism, saying both sides have made progress despite remaining disagreements. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), meanwhile, indicated that a full-year continuing resolution remains a possibility, though Democratic support remains unclear.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
“Should Congress approve long-term funding for DHS even without a final agreement on immigration reforms?”
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