Republican senators expressed optimism Monday about ending the 39-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security following a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.

Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) pitched Trump on a funding bill that would cover most DHS operations except for specific components of Immigration and Customs Enforcement already financed under last year's GOP spending package. Graham told colleagues afterward that Trump appeared receptive to pursuing a new party-line budget reconciliation bill to provide additional ICE funding.

The meeting marked a potential breakthrough after Trump earlier rejected compromise proposals. He had insisted on linking DHS funding to passage of the SAVE America Act, a GOP priority requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration that lacks the 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Trump reiterated this stance on Truth Social over the weekend, urging Republicans against any deal with Democrats.

The DHS shutdown began on February 14 when Senate Democrats blocked a funding measure amid demands for reforms to immigration enforcement practices. Tensions escalated following the January killing of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection agents, prompting Democratic calls for measures like judicial warrants for property entries, body cameras, and restrictions near sensitive sites.

Republicans have rejected these as burdensome, insisting on full funding without restrictions. Fiscal conservatives such as Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have opposed bipartisan compromises. House Speaker Mike Johnson advanced funding bills, but Senate procedural hurdles persisted.

The impasse has disrupted TSA operations, with 366 officers quitting by mid-March and sick calls reaching 55 percent at some airports. Travelers faced four-hour security lines at hubs like Houston's George Bush Intercontinental last week. Global Entry was suspended before restarting on March 11. To mitigate, the administration deployed ICE agents to assist screening starting Monday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) voiced hope for a resolution, noting the lack of support for SAVE. "Hope so," Thune said when asked about a deal in hand. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) predicted funding by week's end, while Britt vowed to work overnight to finalize the text. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) confirmed serious bipartisan discussions.

The Senate considers extending the session beyond its planned Easter recess on Friday, while the House GOP does not intend to interrupt the break. Negotiators aim to exchange legislative language soon, potentially using reconciliation for ICE enhancements and SAVE elements. No votes are scheduled yet, but pressure mounts as the lapse nears historical records.