Story perspectives

Senate Bypasses Filibuster, Funding DHS, DOJ $70 B

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senators used reconciliation to bypass a filibuster and end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
The Senate approved a budget resolution funding the two agencies by a 50-48 vote, with Senator Rand Paul, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and all Democrats voting against it.
Republicans plan to allocate about $70 billion to the two agencies over three years.
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked that the reconciliation bill reach his desk by June 1.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 budget-reconciliation vote that paired the Affordable Care Act with the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act let Senate Democrats, led by Democratic leaders, secure a 220-211 House approval and bypass a filibuster, with President Barack Obama signing the law on March 23, 2010. That precedent now underpins the bipartisan push to fund the Department of Homeland Security through reconciliation.

1 of 2

Story summary

Senators used reconciliation to bypass a filibuster and end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
The Senate approved a budget resolution funding the two agencies by a 50-48 vote, with Senator Rand Paul, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and all Democrats voting against it.
Republicans plan to allocate about $70 billion to the two agencies over three years.
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked that the reconciliation bill reach his desk by June 1.

1 / 2