The Daily Punch Inside the deal to open DHS
13 snips
Mar 24, 2026 Talks about a Senate plan to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security while carving out ICE enforcement and using reconciliation for leftover priorities. Covers Democratic pushback over limited ICE concessions and lawmakers racing to end the shutdown before recess. Notes the confirmation of a new DHS leader and the immediate management challenges ahead.
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Two-Step Plan To End The DHS Shutdown
- Senate leaders are pursuing a split approach to end the DHS shutdown by funding the department except ICE enforcement and using reconciliation for ICE and the SAVE Act.
- Jake Sherman says this would cover most DHS operations now while Republicans aim to pass removal/enforcement and voter-ID rules later via reconciliation.
Democrats Face Tradeoff Between Reforms And Ending Disruption
- Democrats risk losing leverage because the tentative deal includes only minimal ICE reforms like body cameras, leaving out most of their 17 demands.
- Jake Sherman argues Democrats got something but far less than their full list, creating a political choice between ending airport snarls and holding out for broader reforms.
Finish DHS Deal Before Senate Recess
- Move quickly to finalize a DHS funding deal before senators leave for spring recess because lawmakers are eager to go home and will pressure leadership to resolve it.
- Anna Palmer notes negotiators like Sen. Katie Britt were working overnight to land the plane ahead of the two-week break.