Senators Meet With Border Czar as DHS Shutdown Talks Resume
Senators met Thursday with border czar Tom Homan to restart negotiations over a DHS funding lapse that began on Feb. 14, with a March 27 recess deadline looming.
Associated PressWhite House officials and senators meet on DHS shutdown, a small sign of progress
MS NOWLawmakers finally start negotiating an end to the DHS shutdown
CBS NewsSenators meet with border czar Tom Homan as lawmakers search for way out of DHS shutdown
Roll CallAppropriators meet as deadline set for Homeland Security deal
NBC NewsBipartisan talks to end Homeland Security standoff get serious as shutdown drags on
Overview
Senators met Thursday with White House border czar Tom Homan to resume negotiations aimed at ending the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse that began on Feb. 14.
The talks were prompted by growing airport delays and staffing problems at TSA and by roughly 60,000 to more than 120,000 DHS employees working without pay.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned the impasse "needs to get resolved by the end of next week" and said he may cancel the planned March 27 recess, while Sen. Patty Murray said the parties remain "a long ways apart."
Democrats have demanded reforms such as body-worn cameras, visible identification, bans on masks and judicial warrants for home entries, and Republicans have resisted some measures while blocking piecemeal funding attempts.
Lawmakers said they expect another White House counteroffer and will regroup, and the Senate Homeland Security Committee advanced Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination, which could be confirmed as soon as next week.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the DHS shutdown as cautious, incremental progress—editorially emphasizing negotiation momentum while stressing operational impacts (TSA sickouts). Language choices ("small sign of progress") and selective emphasis on Democrats' expanding demands versus calls for compromise by Republicans create a centrist narrative prioritizing stability and bipartisan problem-solving.
FAQ
Tom Homan is a veteran law enforcement officer and former acting ICE director who serves as border czar in Donald Trump's second administration, overseeing border control, deportations, and related security without requiring Senate confirmation.
The DHS funding lapse began on February 14 due to stalled negotiations, causing airport delays, TSA staffing problems, and approximately 60,000 to 120,000 DHS employees to work without pay.
Democrats demand reforms including body-worn cameras, visible identification, bans on masks, and judicial warrants for home entries; Republicans resist some measures and have blocked piecemeal funding attempts.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned it must be resolved by the end of next week or the March 27 recess may be canceled; lawmakers expect a White House counteroffer and plan to regroup.