Senate Begins Work on Second Reconciliation Bill to End DHS Shutdown

The Senate is moving forward with a second reconciliation bill this week to break the deadlock that has kept the Department of Homeland Security partially shut down for 55 days.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing a budget blueprint that includes funding for ICE and Border Patrol operations. The reconciliation process allows Republicans to pass the bill with a simple majority, cutting Democrats out of negotiations.

The Senate Budget Committee has already begun drafting the legislation as part of a deal to end the partial shutdown. Republicans plan to bring the budget blueprint to the floor by the end of April.

Thune faces pressure from hardline conservatives in his caucus who have specific demands for the bill. The 55-day shutdown represents one of the longest disruptions to DHS operations in recent memory, affecting border security and immigration enforcement nationwide.