A partial government shutdown could be resolved quickly under a proposal floated by John Kennedy, who suggested Republicans accept a Democratic-backed funding plan — even if it excludes money for immigration enforcement.
According to Fox News, while speaking on Sunday, Kennedy argued that reopening the government should take priority, with a separate path to restore funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to follow soon after.
“I would accept the Democrats’ offer to open up everything except ICE at DHS. Then, the very next day, I would pass a reconciliation bill which crafts a budget for ICE,” Kennedy said during an appearance with Trey Gowdy.
He emphasized that such a move would not require Democratic backing, noting Republicans could act alone.
“We can do it without any Democratic votes. Certainly the Democrats are welcome to join us. We can do it with all Republican votes. That’s how we passed the One Big, Beautiful Bill…”
Kennedy framed the current impasse as avoidable, warning that the ongoing shutdown is placing unnecessary strain on federal workers.
The effects are already being felt in airports nationwide, where unpaid Transportation Security Administration agents are reportedly weighing whether to call out sick or look for other jobs as financial pressures build. The staffing concerns have contributed to longer wait times for travelers.
“What we’re doing right now is a Great Dane-sized whiz down the leg of every employee at TSA and everybody else at DHS who should be paid,” Kennedy said.
He also criticized Democrats for their stance on immigration enforcement, arguing that partisan divisions are blocking progress.
“We’re giving a bunch of pretty speeches on the floor, when the truth is, and everybody knows it, the Democrats are not going to vote for anything, anything, that has to do with ICE, because their party tells them they have to abolish it, and that’s where we are. We can be open in seven days.”
Kennedy’s proposal highlights a potential workaround to break the stalemate, separating the broader effort to reopen the government from the contentious debate over immigration enforcement funding.
