Republican lawmakers in the US Senate are expressing concern that Democrats could trigger another government shutdown later this year, prompting fresh efforts to prevent future funding standoffs.
To address this, Republicans are exploring the possibility of funding federal immigration enforcement through the budget reconciliation process, a strategy that would allow them to bypass Democratic support entirely.
The move follows a prolonged impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, after Democrats withheld support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection unless certain reforms were implemented. These proposed changes include stricter warrant requirements and rules on agent identification.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the idea as promising, noting that discussions are ongoing about including such provisions in a reconciliation package that complies with Senate rules.
He said, “If we could figure out a way to execute on that — anything that we can do that would ensure that the Democrats don’t decide once again to play partisan political games with the function of our government would be a good outcome.”
Meanwhile, Josh Hawley voiced support for preventing shutdowns but questioned whether such measures could realistically be included in the current proposal.
“I would support that,” Hawley said. “Will that happen? It seems to me to be pretty unlikely. But I think this package is baked, the text is out, it is what it is.”
He warned that another standoff could emerge when the fiscal year ends in September, adding, “The Democrats are in a hostage taking sort of mood.”
“And sadly, the hostages they’re taking are for working people of this country,” Hawley went on. “And if they shut down the government again in September, which they very well may, well, that would just be disastrous, I think.”
On the other side, Democrats are preparing to counter the Republican strategy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said his party intends to introduce amendments focused on affordability and economic concerns.
Responding to criticism over their stance on immigration reforms, Schumer argued that Republicans were struggling politically.
“They’re twisting themselves in a pretzel,” he said. “They’re giving us an opportunity to emphasize the number one issue facing the American people in terms of reconciliation. So we Democrats are staunch and united in what we did.”
Another proposal being considered by Republicans is ensuring that federal workers continue to receive pay even during a shutdown. Ron Johnson has been advocating for the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would guarantee wages for government employees during funding lapses.
Johnson said, “I mean, they’re pretty upset about, I guess, not really being informed in terms of what the Senate was gonna do here.”
He added, “So, the sooner we pass the partial DHS funding bill — I just think if Democrats would allow that bill to be passed by unanimous consent, I think they [wouldn’t] have a hard time voting for that exact same bill if all we’re adding is something their unions are lobbying hard to get.”
As both parties dig in, tensions are rising ahead of the next fiscal deadline, with the possibility of another shutdown looming if no agreement is reached.
