The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday to restore funding for much of the Department of Homeland Security, ending the longest agency shutdown in U.S. history after 76 days. The bipartisan measure, which the Senate approved weeks earlier, funds DHS operations through September 30 but excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Patrol's immigration activities.

Lawmakers approved the bill by voice vote with little opposition, using a procedural maneuver to limit debate and secure passage despite resistance from some House Republicans. The package now heads to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it promptly.

The shutdown began on February 14 when routine funding lapsed amid congressional disputes over immigration enforcement reforms. Republicans sought full funding for ICE and border operations to support President Trump's agenda, while Democrats pushed restrictions such as judicial warrants for entries and limits near sensitive sites. The impasse surpassed previous records, including a 43-day full government shutdown in 2025.

House Speaker Mike Johnson initially rejected the Senate bill, calling it a 'joke' for zeroing out immigration enforcement, and conservatives blocked it over funding concerns. The measure languished despite White House pressure and warnings that temporary funds from executive actions would soon expire. President Trump had issued orders to pay TSA workers amid airport disruptions and over 1,100 agent resignations.

"It has come to this... We need, no, we must, pay our D.H.S. workers," said Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., ranking Democrat on Appropriations, remarked, "It is about damn time," noting she proposed the bill over two months ago. Johnson acknowledged earlier objections but prioritized worker pay.

The shutdown affected roughly 260,000 DHS employees, causing financial hardship and operational strains like extended airport lines. Republicans plan a separate reconciliation package for up to $70 billion in immigration enforcement funding by June 1, bypassing Democratic filibusters.

With the bill's passage, furloughs will end, and back pay will follow under current law, providing relief to affected personnel and restoring normal operations at TSA, the Secret Service, and disaster response units.