Full Breakdown
Sen. John Kennedy Proposes Funding Strategy Amid Government Shutdown
3/24/2026, 12:26:26 AM
Core Event: Proposal to Fund DHS Without ICE
Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has proposed a strategy to reopen the government by accepting a Democratic offer to fund various departments within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while excluding funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Kennedy argues that this approach would allow Republicans to subsequently pass a reconciliation bill to fund ICE independently, without requiring Democratic support.
Key Figures & Groups
- Senator John Kennedy: A Republican senator from Louisiana advocating for a funding strategy that separates ICE from other DHS funding.
- Democratic Party: Criticized by Kennedy for its stance against ICE funding, which he claims is influenced by the party's left wing.
Official Statements & Responses
In a recent appearance on "Sunday Night in America," Kennedy stated, "I would accept the Democrats’ offer to open up everything except ICE at DHS. Then, the very next day, I would pass a reconciliation bill which crafts a budget for ICE." He emphasized the urgency of resolving the government shutdown, noting that unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers are facing financial pressures that could lead to increased airport wait times.
Kennedy further elaborated in a Senate floor speech, asserting that the Democratic Party is unable to compromise on ICE funding due to internal party dynamics. He stated, “The Karen wing of the Democratic Party is in ascendency... any Democrat... that agrees to any kind of compromise with respect to ICE is going to be punished the rest of their natural lives.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kennedy's proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that separating ICE funding from other DHS allocations undermines comprehensive immigration reform efforts. Critics contend that this approach may exacerbate partisan divisions rather than foster bipartisan cooperation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Kennedy's strategy suggests a clear path forward for Republicans to fund ICE, there is uncertainty regarding the Democratic response to the proposed reconciliation bill. Some sources indicate that Democrats may resist any funding mechanism that excludes ICE, while others suggest that they might be open to negotiations on broader DHS funding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we're doing right now is a Great Dane-sized whiz down the leg of every employee at TSA and everybody else at DHS who should be paid,” — Sen. John Kennedy
- “Peter’s raised a really interesting point, and I would agree with him, up to a point. Let’s open up everything but ICE, okay? Let’s open it up.” — Sen. John Kennedy
- “I would include the SAVE Act as part of that reconciliation bill, as well. We wouldn’t need 60 votes. We wouldn’t need 55 votes. We’d only need 51 votes. We passed the One Big Beautiful Bill with 50 votes and the vice president breaking the tie. . . . I would go get a really smart lawyer and ask them to help us craft a SAVE Act that can survive a Byrd bath. I would do those two things in reconciliation or at least open up ICE through reconciliation.” — Sen. John Kennedy
What's Next
Kennedy's proposal sets the stage for potential legislative action in the coming days, as Republicans may move forward with a reconciliation bill to fund ICE if the government remains shut down. The outcome of this strategy will depend on the Democratic response and the broader political dynamics surrounding immigration policy.
