House Advances DHS Funding as White House Warns Money Will ‘Soon Run Out’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The House approved a key step toward funding the Department of Homeland Security as the White House warned funds are nearly depleted. The move follows a prolonged shutdown that has strained TSA operations and raised national security concerns. Lawmakers remain divided over immigration enforcement funding, complicating efforts to fully restore agency operations.
Homeland Security Funding Quick Looks
- House passed a budget resolution in a 215-211 vote
- Funding would include $70 billion for immigration enforcement
- DHS has been partially unfunded for over two months
- White House warns funds for TSA and staff will “soon run out”
- More than 1,000 TSA officers have quit during the shutdown
- Democrats and Republicans remain divided on immigration policy
- A separate bipartisan funding bill is expected for a vote
- Lawmakers face pressure to avoid airport disruptions and risks
Deep Look
House Advances Homeland Security Funding Plan
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives took a significant step toward restoring funding for the Department of Homeland Security as the Trump administration warned that critical funds are rapidly running out, raising concerns about national security and potential disruptions at airports.
Lawmakers approved a Republican-backed budget resolution in a narrow 215-211 vote, marking progress in a long-running standoff over how to fund key homeland security operations.
While the resolution itself does not immediately release funding, it sets the stage for a broader plan that includes $70 billion for immigration enforcement and deportation efforts through the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term.
DHS Faces Longest Shutdown in History
The Department of Homeland Security has been operating without full funding for more than two months, making it the longest shutdown in the agency’s history.
The funding gap stems from a broader political dispute over immigration policy, particularly enforcement actions involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
The White House has temporarily kept parts of the agency running using emergency executive actions, but officials say those funds are nearly exhausted.
“DHS will soon run out of critical operating funds, placing essential personnel and operations at risk,” the Office of Management and Budget warned in a memo to lawmakers.
TSA and Airport Operations at Risk
One of the most immediate concerns is the impact on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for airport security across the country.
Without stable funding, TSA operations could face disruptions, potentially affecting millions of travelers.
More than 1,000 TSA officers have already left their jobs since the shutdown began, according to industry data.
Airlines and aviation groups have urged Congress to act quickly, warning that prolonged uncertainty could create serious operational challenges.
“The urgency to provide predictable and stable funding for TSA is growing stronger by the day,” Airlines for America said in a statement.
Immigration Enforcement at Center of Dispute
The central issue dividing lawmakers is funding for immigration enforcement agencies.
Republicans are pushing for significant funding increases for ICE and Border Patrol, arguing that strong enforcement is essential for national security.
Democrats, however, have refused to support such funding without reforms to address concerns about enforcement practices.
The dispute has intensified following recent incidents tied to protests against deportation policies.
Rep. Brendan Boyle said Democrats are seeking changes to “rein in the abuses we have seen,” while Republicans argue that delaying funding puts the country at risk.
Rep. Jodey Arrington called Democratic demands “ridiculous and even dangerous.”
Speaker Johnson Navigates Tight Majority
House Speaker Mike Johnson has faced challenges in advancing the funding plan due to divisions within his own party and a narrow Republican majority.
Despite those hurdles, the budget resolution’s passage represents a breakthrough after multiple failed attempts earlier in the month.
“It takes time,” Johnson said. “We will get there.”
The vote also clears the way for a separate bipartisan bill to fund TSA and other DHS operations, which is expected to be considered soon.
Senate and Next Steps Remain Uncertain
The path forward in the Senate remains unclear.
Lawmakers in both chambers are working to pass a short-term funding measure to prevent a complete shutdown while negotiations continue on a longer-term solution.
Republicans are also pursuing a broader budget strategy that would allow them to approve immigration enforcement funding without Democratic support.
That process could take several weeks, with final votes expected later in the spring.
High Stakes for National Security
The funding battle comes at a time of heightened security concerns.
The White House pointed to a recent attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ dinner as an example of why consistent funding is critical.
Officials argue that maintaining full operational capacity across DHS agencies is essential to protecting the country.
Pressure Builds on Congress
With funding deadlines approaching and operational risks increasing, pressure is mounting on Congress to act quickly.
The outcome of the current negotiations will determine not only how DHS is funded, but also how immigration policy is shaped in the months ahead.
For now, lawmakers face a familiar challenge: balancing political priorities with the need to keep critical government functions running.
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