House Speaker Mike Johnson threw his support behind a Senate-passed funding plan for the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday, reversing his earlier dismissal of the measure as a "joke."

The partial shutdown of DHS, now approaching its 50th day, has disrupted operations, including TSA screenings at airports and other essential services. The Senate bill, passed unanimously last Friday, funds most DHS components through September but excludes money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

Johnson, alongside Senate Majority Leader John Thune, outlined a two-track approach in a joint statement. The first track adopts the Senate bill to quickly reopen the majority of DHS operations, relying on Democratic votes. The second track promises three-year funding for ICE and Border Patrol by June 1 via budget reconciliation, bypassing Democratic opposition.

The speaker's pivot followed President Trump's endorsement on Truth Social, urging Congress to fund border security through reconciliation. Trump also signed a memorandum directing payment for DHS workers during the shutdown.

On March 27, Johnson rejected the Senate proposal outright, stating it included "the number zero" for border security and immigration enforcement. House Republicans instead pursued a short-term continuing resolution, but shifted strategy as the shutdown dragged on.

Hard-line conservatives expressed outrage over the reversal. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) warned on X that separating ICE and CBP funding hands border agents to "radicals who will defund and dismantle them." Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) called it "caving to Democrats," pledging a no vote. Freedom Caucus member Chip Roy previously labeled the approach "absolutely offensive."

House Republicans held a conference call on Thursday but punted on a vote during a pro forma session, prolonging the shutdown into the weekend. Leadership may use a suspension calendar vote requiring two-thirds support or secure a rule for floor debate.

Democrats, who supported the Senate bill last week, stand ready to provide votes for passage. The plan's success hinges on quelling conservative dissent, as the shutdown's impacts mount amid record border encounters.