GOP Blocks DHS Deal As Shutdown Chaos Deepens

A standoff in Washington is dragging out disruptions across the nation’s airports after House Republicans refused to advance a Senate-approved plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

According to the New York Post, the decision keeps a six-week shutdown in place, with lawmakers now scrambling to find a path forward.

House Speaker Mike Johnson made clear Friday that Republicans intend to pursue a different approach, saying the House will move “as soon as possible” on a short-term funding bill lasting 60 days.

The speaker sharply criticized the Senate’s proposal, arguing it failed to provide any funding for key immigration enforcement efforts.

“It is unconscionable to me that the Democrats would force some sort of negotiation at three o’clock in the morning and try to foist this upon the American people and then get on their jets and go home for their holiday — and pretend and think that we’re going to go along with that,” Johnson fumed.

“It can’t be the case that every Senate Republican read this bill,” he added.

Johnson also said President Donald Trump supports the House’s position. At the same time, Trump is working to ease the impact of the shutdown through executive action, including a plan to ensure Transportation Security Administration agents are paid.

Frustration among House Republicans has been mounting. Rep. Chip Roy said earlier in the day the Senate compromise was “not going to pass as it is,” calling it “absolutely offensive” to Border Patrol agents and others who have gone without pay.