Senate Advances Towards Bipartisan Deal on Homeland Security Funding Amid Ongoing Disputes

Tue Mar 24 2026 20:37:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Amid a monthlong budget stalemate affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airport security, Senate leaders are negotiating a deal that could exclude key areas of ICE funding while ensuring various Homeland Security operations remain funded.

Senators are working on a potential agreement to address the ongoing deadlock over the Department of Homeland Security's funding. This proposal, which emerged after White House negotiations, aims to fund the TSA while omitting certain ICE operations related to immigration enforcement. GOP and Democratic leaders express cautious optimism, with calls for clear proposals to stabilize security operations at U.S. airports, which have been experiencing extensive delays due to staffing shortages.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators are in discussions to potentially resolve the ongoing budget stalemate regarding the Department of Homeland Security, particularly affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airport workers who have been without pay. The plan would fund much of the department while excluding the controversial ICE enforcement and removal operations that have stoked the dispute.

This potential breakthrough arose after several Republican senators met with President Donald Trump late Monday. Participants in the negotiations expressed hopefulness for a resolution, stating they would work through the night to craft a detailed agreement for both parties' consideration at their weekly caucus lunches on Tuesday.

“All I can say is that the discussions have been very positive and productive and hopefully headed in the right direction,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer echoed these sentiments, indicating both sides are approaching the talks with seriousness.

The renewed urgency for a deal has arisen against the backdrop of extended airport delays due to the funding halt and subsequent understaffing of TSA operations during peak travel season. Meanwhile, Democrats persist in their demands for restrictions on immigration enforcement, particularly following incidents involving ICE that have sparked public protests and outcry.

This deal could exclude funding for ICE's enforcement and removal operations but continue funding for its Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection divisions, with stipulations aimed at ensuring traditional roles for these officers, countering recent practices linked to immigration crackdowns.

“The first step is to get the proposal in writing,” remarked Sen. Angus King, an Independent from Maine. “I want to see exactly what that means.”

That proposal includes mandates for the use of body cameras by officers and modifications in immigration operations to align with Democratic concerns.

Furthermore, the Senate late Monday confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new Homeland Security Secretary, succeeding Kristi Noem, whose leadership during immigration operations sparked contention. Mullin has committed to addressing key demands from Democrats, including judicial approval for search warrants used by immigration officials.

As senators continue to negotiate, there are hopes that common ground can be reached to stabilize security and funding amidst rising travel demands.