Senate Republicans are actively seeking to resolve the lengthy partial government shutdown that has persisted for five and a half weeks. They are considering a strategy to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while eliminating some contentious immigration programs.
This initiative was shaped following a White House meeting and is anticipated to be a key topic at Tuesday’s GOP Conference luncheon. Sources indicate that a proposal to reopen DHS might be on the table as soon as tonight.
In this emerging strategy, Republicans plan to maintain funding for ICE investigations targeting serious crimes such as human trafficking and drug cartels. However, they propose not funding the enforcement and removal operations, which reflects similar tactics previously pushed by Democrats.
This irony has not gone unnoticed by GOP members, who see this adaptation as a way to compel a resolution. One party source remarked that this is “the only way out” and they feel they are forcing Democrats to face their own strategies.
“We’re going to have to move forward and give them what they want,” stated a Senate Republican source, recognizing the necessity of bipartisan support to achieve the required 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
However, securing Democratic cooperation is uncertain, despite the plan aligning with their past proposals. Additionally, the lack of coordination with House Republicans adds complexity to the negotiations.
As concerns mount regarding national security and potential disruptions like extended wait times at airports, lawmakers are feeling the pressure to find a solution urgently.
Behind the scenes, Republicans are also working to manage a separate issue related to the SAVE America Act. They aim to gain Sen. Mike Lee’s commitment to delay efforts on this bill until after the Easter and Passover recess.
To circumvent potential roadblocks, Republicans are considering a fallback by incorporating elements of the SAVE America Act into a budget reconciliation package. This method would permit passage with a simple majority, avoiding the need to break a filibuster.
Nonetheless, this route has its own challenges since Senate rules typically restrict reconciliation to fiscal matters. Republican sources suggest they may concentrate on financial aspects, like withholding federal funds from states that do not implement photo ID requirements.
If these elements are deemed noncompliant by Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, Republicans could find themselves regrouping without a clear path forward in this drawn-out standoff.
