Bipartisan House Duo Pitches Plan to Resolve DHS Funding Dispute

Two House lawmakers announced a bipartisan proposal Wednesday that would restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security while making immigration agents subject to the same rules as law enforcement.

The plan from Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) is unlikely to gain traction but signals a growing drive among lawmakers to end the shutdown.

The pair said they’re working on legislation that would harmonize rules applicable to Immigration and Customs Enforcement with federal law enforcement agencies. The moderates’ plan seeks to satisfy Democrats’ demands for immigration enforcement changes that have led to a stalemate over agency funding now in its fifth week.

The proposal would prohibit ICE from wearing masks during enforcement actions, impose stronger warrant requirements and rules around enforcement at “sensitive locations,” and require the use of body cameras and IDs.