Senate Republicans said President Donald Trump has indicated he may support a deal with Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security, following a White House meeting aimed at ending the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Lawmakers briefed on the meeting said Trump signaled openness to a compromise that would allow DHS funding to move forward, even if it does not fully include funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The shift comes after Trump had previously insisted no deal should proceed without passage of the SAVE America Act.
According to Republican sources, the proposal discussed would separate certain immigration enforcement funding from the broader DHS appropriations bill.
Additional funding for those operations could later be pursued through the budget reconciliation process, which allows legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority under specific fiscal conditions.
Senators said the approach could help secure Democratic support to reopen key agencies, including airport security and emergency services, which have been affected during the shutdown.
Some Democrats also signaled cautious optimism, noting agreement on funding agencies such as TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard, while differences remain over immigration enforcement policies.
Officials said discussions are ongoing, with pressure mounting on both parties to reach a resolution as disruptions continue. The situation remains under close watch as lawmakers work toward a potential agreement.
