Johnson Seeks Changes to Shutdown-Averting Bill | US News
- House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to make changes to a Senate-passed bill that would end the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), potentially prolonging the impasse.
- The Senate passed the DHS funding bill unanimously on April 24, 2026, sending it to the House for consideration.
- While details of Johnson’s specific objections haven’t been fully outlined, he has suggested that the bill does not adequately address border security concerns.
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to make changes to a Senate-passed bill that would end the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), potentially prolonging the impasse. Johnson described language in the bill as “problematic” on Monday, signaling that the House will pursue its own version of the funding measure.
The Senate passed the DHS funding bill unanimously on April 24, 2026, sending it to the House for consideration. The bill provides funding through the remainder of the fiscal year, averting a potential shutdown of the DHS. However, Speaker Johnson has indicated that the House will not simply accept the Senate’s version.
GOP Concerns Over Senate Bill
While details of Johnson’s specific objections haven’t been fully outlined, he has suggested that the bill does not adequately address border security concerns. According to a report by Politico, Johnson stated the language in the Senate bill is “problematic” and will require alterations before it can pass the House.
This stance sets the stage for a potential showdown between the House and Senate, raising the possibility of a prolonged delay in securing funding for the DHS. The Senate’s bipartisan approach contrasts with the more conservative demands of House Republicans, creating a significant hurdle to a swift resolution.
Bipartisan Efforts and Previous Funding Deals
The Senate’s passage of the funding deal, which was backed by former President Trump, had initially been seen as a positive step toward resolving the ongoing budget disputes. Federal News Network reported on the Senate’s action, highlighting Trump’s support for the agreement. However, Speaker Johnson’s opposition throws that momentum into question.
The delay comes after months of debate over DHS funding, with disagreements centering on border security measures and policy riders. The current impasse has left the department operating under a continuing resolution, which provides temporary funding but lacks the long-term certainty needed for effective planning and operations.
Potential for Shutdown
If the House and Senate are unable to reach an agreement on DHS funding, a partial government shutdown could occur. This would impact a wide range of DHS functions, including border security, airport security, and disaster preparedness. The potential consequences of a shutdown are significant, both for national security and for the public.
The situation is further complicated by the upcoming elections and the political pressures facing both parties. Republicans are eager to demonstrate their commitment to border security, while Democrats are focused on avoiding a shutdown that could be blamed on GOP obstructionism.
As of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the path forward remains uncertain. The House is expected to begin work on its own version of the DHS funding bill, setting the stage for further negotiations with the Senate. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether a shutdown can be averted and whether the DHS can receive the funding it needs to carry out its critical mission.