### Here We Go Again: Senate Leaders Still Tinkering with DHS Funding
Senate Majority Leader John Thune seems to be channeling every optimist who’s ever tried to fix a broken relationship. He’s out there saying he’s got the “last and final” offer for funding the Department of Homeland Security. Because, of course, who doesn’t love a good cliffhanger?
Thune didn’t spill the beans on the details—surprise, surprise—but hinted that the latest proposal is on the same track as the weekend’s discussions. You know, the ones the Democrats turned down. Apparently, while they’re still willing to fund most of DHS, the GOP is still trying to figure out how to leave ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations out of the mix. Because why not avoid the elephant in the room?
Some anonymous sources—because who needs accountability—suggest that this new proposal also skips ERO funding but attempts to soothe the Democrats with some extra language. What does that even mean? Probably just enough to get through the day without too much drama.
Chuck Schumer’s camp is playing the silent game, not bothering to comment. Meanwhile, a few Democrats casually emerged from a private lunch, acknowledging that discussions are still happening, but not sharing much else. Sounds productive, right?
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) thinks the fact that “paper is going back and forth” is a good sign. Great! But let’s not kid ourselves; they’re still worlds apart on how to write enforcement restrictions into law. So much for urgency. Coons even joked about locking appropriators in a room—because that’s the solution to gridlock.
The Senate’s gearing up for another vote on the House-passed DHS bill Thursday afternoon, right before everyone jets off for a two-week holiday. What a perfect time to make progress! If the Senate can pull off a miracle, House Republicans might stick around a little longer, hoping to send something to President Trump before they all head out for some well-deserved time off.
Thune is keeping his fingers crossed for “some finality in this real soon.” Here’s a thought: how about a little honesty about what’s really being negotiated? Or is that too much to ask?
By Admin | Published: March 26, 2026 at 5:15 pm
