WASHINGTON (RTW) — Senate Republicans are ramping up efforts to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and conclude the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history. Key votes are anticipated as early as Tuesday.

GOP leaders are proposing a complex legislative workaround that involves budget reconciliation to secure funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, which Democrats have blocked since mid-February, demanding reforms after federal agents were implicated in the deaths of two protesters.

We have run out of time to play the Democrats’ games, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, emphasizing the need for expedience as negotiations remain stalled and temporary funding sources are depleting.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the reconciliation approach as a divisive tactic, arguing it would increase funding for immigration enforcement without addressing accountability or violence associated with these agencies.

Legislative Landscape and Challenges

In an effort to pass the proposed $70 billion funding resolution within three years, GOP senators are narrowing the focus of the bill. Nevertheless, there is significant pressure within the party to broaden the scope to include additional spending priorities such as agriculture support and President Trump's SAVE America Act.

Much skepticism remains among party members regarding future reconciliation bills given the precarious Republican margins in Congress and an election on the horizon.

Many senators, including John Kennedy (R-La.), plan to introduce amendments concerning the SAVE America Act and other economic issues, driven by public concern over living costs.

Democrats Demand Accountability

Democrats are insisting that any funding resolution impose strict regulations on ICE and include enhanced accountability measures. Senator Patty Murray highlighted the urgent need for reform following recent violent incidents involving federal agents. The Senate's past attempts to separate funding for ICE from broader DHS financing have been obstructed by Republican resistance.

As negotiations progress, the urgency to finalize funding is palpable, with Senators seeking to ensure the safety and integrity of immigration law enforcement without compromising public trust.