Senate Deadlock: Homeland Security Shutdown Continues

0:00Senate leaders made no progress Wednesday on ending the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now in its second week since February 14th. Federal workers face missing another paycheck, and airport security lines are backing up for travelers. Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over funding for immigration enforcement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called a Democratic proposal, unacceptable, and said Republicans won't counter. Instead, the Senate planned a vote on a bill funding most of Homeland Security, but excluding immigration and customs enforcement's deportation. Operations. A Thune described this as a major compromise to break the stalemate. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with any deal lacking reforms, insisting Homeland Security needs full funding as one unit. Lawmakers worry about heading into a two week spring recess without an agreement, as bills require 60 votes to pass the Senate. On the floor, Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno pushed for two weeks of full agency funding with

1:01back pay, but Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley countered with, limited options excluding certain border operations. Their tense exchange lasted nearly an hour without resolution. Impacts continue for Coast Guard, FEMA, Secret Service, and TSA workers, though ICE and Border Patrol have extra funds. Those like James Lankford urged staying put to spin these plates before more fall, but time runs short as the shutdown drags on. That's your update from Anchorage News today, powered by AI.