Homeland Security Talks Already in Doubt With Little Time Left

Feb. 4, 2026, 9:25 PM UTC

Lawmakers are navigating partisan distrust and sharp policy disagreements as they seek a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security past Feb. 13 and rein in immigration enforcement tactics.

Procedural hurdles and limited floor time are also complicating lawmakers’ efforts to reach a deal in just nine days, making another short-term funding bill or shutdown of the department almost inevitable.

“The sides seem to be pretty far apart,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters Wednesday.

Senate Democrats have outlined several demands in exchange for their support of a Homeland Security funding bill, including requiring federal agents to ...

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