House GOP Faces Internal Strife Over DHS Funding Bill

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has publicly criticized Senate Republicans for their decision to support a limited funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has led to significant internal conflict within the Republican Party. Scalise indicated that some senators are experiencing "buyer's remorse" regarding their vote to fund the majority of DHS operations while excluding immigration enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The ongoing shutdown of DHS has raised concerns about the operational capabilities of the department, particularly as it relates to national security. The situation escalated following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis due to actions by federal immigration authorities, which intensified scrutiny on DHS operations. The Senate had passed a bill to fund DHS, but House Republicans rejected it, arguing it would defund over 25% of the department's baseline operations.

• Steve Scalise: House Majority Leader (R-La.), who has been vocal about the need for full funding of DHS and criticized the Senate's approach.

GOP Lawmakers Regret Newly Proposed DHS Shutdown Bill

• Mike Johnson: House Speaker (R-La.), who opted to push for a temporary extension of DHS funding that includes immigration enforcement.

• John Thune: Senate Majority Leader (R-S.D.), who facilitated the Senate's funding bill.

GOP Lawmakers Regret Newly Proposed DHS Shutdown Bill

• Andy Kim: Democratic Senator (D-N.J.), who criticized the House for not taking up the Senate's funding package.

GOP Lawmakers Regret Newly Proposed DHS Shutdown Bill

Scalise stated, “We actually read their bill and, frankly, a number of senators have expressed buyer’s remorse with what they did at three in the morning.” He emphasized the need for a funding solution that fully supports DHS operations, particularly during a heightened threat level. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are urging the House to reconsider the Senate's funding package, with Kim noting, “Instead, Speaker Johnson again chose to leave town and not actually take up the bill that could get passed through.”

GOP Lawmakers Regret Newly Proposed DHS Shutdown BillPolitico

House Republicans, including House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, have expressed frustration with the Senate's decision to exclude immigration enforcement funding, labeling it a "deliberate act to exclude this chamber." On the other hand, House Democrats have shown support for the Senate's bipartisan bill, with over 200 members signing onto an effort to force a vote on it.

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The Senate now faces the decision of how to proceed with the House's proposed funding bill. If passed, the bill would require President Joe Biden's signature to end the DHS shutdown. The ongoing discord within the Republican Party raises questions about the future of DHS funding and the potential for further delays in resolving the shutdown.

GOP Lawmakers Regret Newly Proposed DHS Shutdown BillPolitico

• “ “One of the things that we had real concerns with is it actually defunds over 25 percent of the baseline operations of the Department of Homeland Security.” — Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader (R-La.)

• “The House stayed later than we were scheduled to stay to take up a bill to fully fund the department and sent it back over to the Senate.” — Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader (R-La.)

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• “Instead, Speaker Johnson again chose to leave town and not actually take up the bill that could get passed through.” — Andy Kim, Senator (D-N.J.)

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