House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is striving to transform the agreement negotiated by President Donald Trump to reopen the federal government into reality, despite facing significant challenges. With a partial government shutdown now officially in effect, Johnson finds himself in a precarious position, operating with what he describes as 'a one-vote margin' as he attempts to unify his party to pass a series of critical funding bills through the House of Representatives.
Negotiations and Party Divisions
Johnson revealed to NBC's Meet The Press moderator Kristen Welker that he was present in the Oval Office recently when President Trump was on the phone with Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, negotiating a deal to advance funding measures through the US Senate. Now, the responsibility falls back to Johnson, as both moderate and conservative members of his caucus could potentially defect from the Senate-passed plan. This plan includes five spending bills for various departments and a two-week stopgap agreement specifically designed to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Immigration Enforcement Demands
The Department of Homeland Security encompasses key agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. During an appearance on Fox News with host Shannon Bream, Johnson emphasised that his caucus supports equipping ICE agents with body cameras. He pointed out that legislation currently rejected by Democrats allocates $20 million for this purpose. However, Johnson argued that Democrat demands for unmasking immigration agents and displaying names on uniforms present a more difficult proposition. He expressed concerns about agent safety, stating, 'When you have people doxing them and targeting them - of course, we don't want their personal identification out there on the streets.'
Johnson elaborated that such conditions could create further danger, referencing a conversation involving former ICE Director Tom Homan and Leader Schumer in the Oval Office. Homan, who was dispatched to Minneapolis by President Trump following the killing of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents, reportedly stated that implementing certain demands would not be feasible due to the need to protect officers.
Senate Action and Democratic Stance
The Senate voted late on Friday to approve five appropriations bills alongside a continuing resolution that funds the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks. This move represents a concession to Democrats who are demanding immigration enforcement reforms and serves as a pushback against President Trump's aggressive deportation tactics. The bill passed with a 71-29 margin, with independent Bernie Sanders and five Republicans joining twenty-three Democrats in opposition.
During a press conference on Capitol Hill, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the current administration's approach, stating, 'under President Trump, Secretary Noem and Stephen Miller, ICE has been unleashed without guardrails.' Schumer accused ICE of violating constitutional rights and refusing to coordinate with state and local law enforcement, despite Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's public distinction between local police duties and federal immigration enforcement.
Key Demands and Legislative Hurdles
Schumer outlined several conditions necessary to secure Democratic votes for DHS funding, including ending roving patrols, implementing 'masks off, body cameras on' policies, and tightening rules governing warrant use while requiring ICE coordination with state and local authorities. The latest round of federal funding expired at the end of January, affecting numerous departments and programs ranging from transportation and labour to health, housing, and education, along with the IRS and certain foreign aid initiatives.
Johnson does not anticipate House approval of the new deal until at least Tuesday, highlighting the ongoing legislative delays. Both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have voiced concerns about the need to curtail the power of President Trump's DHS, with Secretary Kristi Noem facing particular scrutiny. Democrats have called for her impeachment, and even Republican Senator Thom Tillis has publicly criticised her leadership style, describing her as a 'bureaucratic sycophant' in a social media post.
As the partial government shutdown continues, Speaker Johnson's ability to navigate his slim majority and bridge internal party divisions will be crucial in determining whether President Trump's brokered deal can successfully pass through the House and bring the federal government back to full operation.
