Full Breakdown
Senate Faces Critical Votes Amid DHS Shutdown
3/22/2026, 12:36:45 AM
Legislative Context and Core Events
The U.S. Senate is engaged in an unusual weekend session to address pressing legislative matters, primarily focusing on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been in a state of shutdown for 35 days. Lawmakers are set to vote on a funding plan to end this shutdown, alongside the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to lead the DHS. Mullin's nomination advanced through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with an 8-7 vote, where only Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opposed it due to concerns about Mullin's temperament.
In addition to the DHS funding, the Senate will consider an amendment to the SAVE America Act, proposed by former President Donald Trump, which seeks to prohibit transgender women from participating in women's sports. This amendment differs from the version of the SAVE Act that passed in the House, which did not include such provisions. The amendment requires 60 votes to pass in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats.
Official Statements & Responses
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) indicated that the Senate would not take its scheduled two-week recess without passing a DHS funding bill, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a deal with Democrats. Thune remarked, "We'll find out very quickly, I think, if the Dems want to make a deal. I think there's deal space there."
Criticism & Opposition
The nomination of Markwayne Mullin has faced scrutiny, particularly from Senator Rand Paul, who expressed concerns about Mullin's attitude and past comments. This dissent highlights the contentious nature of the nomination process amid the ongoing legislative challenges.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Senate is poised to vote on both the DHS funding and Mullin's nomination, there is no consensus on the level of support for the SAVE Act amendment among Senate Democrats. The necessity of securing 60 votes for the amendment adds a layer of complexity to the legislative process, with uncertainty surrounding potential bipartisan support.
What's Next
The Senate's weekend session will culminate in critical votes on Sunday, determining the fate of both the DHS funding and Mullin's nomination. The outcome of these votes will significantly impact the functioning of the DHS and the broader legislative agenda moving forward.
