Senate tries frantically to reopen DHS
Long lines for airport security, a looming suspension and Monday’s confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary are behind urgent negotiations in the Senate to reopen the department.
But Republicans are divided on whether to continue negotiations with Democrats over immigration enforcement or defund the rest of DHS, leaving ICE and CBP for later.
“We should surprise ourselves and do something smart,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who supports the latter.
Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, said it would reduce DHS investigations into child and drug trafficking. She wants Democrats to reconnect with the White House; Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., offered to meet this morning.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Democrat of Nevada, told Semafor that court mandates and masks were unresolved, but surmised, “Conversations are happening, and that’s good.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s take: “There are a lot of ideas swirling around right now. »
