Republican leaders in Congress announced a breakthrough plan Wednesday to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which became the longest funding lapse in U.S. history.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, alongside President Donald Trump, outlined a two-track approach. Lawmakers will advance a Senate-approved appropriations bill to fund most DHS operations through October. Separately, they will use budget reconciliation to provide three years of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, bypassing potential Democratic opposition.

The partial shutdown began on February 14, 2026, when Congress failed to pass DHS appropriations amid disputes over immigration enforcement funding. By Wednesday, it had lasted 47 days, surpassing the previous record set during the 2018-2019 standoff.

TSA screeners faced severe staffing shortages, leading to hours-long security lines at airports and hundreds of resignations. President Trump signed an executive order on March 30 directing pay for TSA workers, which eased some delays. ICE agents assisted at checkpoints while continuing deportations using prior funds.

Democrats blocked full DHS funding, demanding reforms for ICE after agents killed two U.S. citizens during enforcement actions. They sought requirements such as body cameras, bans on masks for agents, and judicial warrants for home entries. Republicans accused Democrats of prioritizing open borders over national security.

Earlier efforts faltered. The House passed H.R. 7744 in March for full-year funding, but the Senate approved a limited measure excluding ICE, which House Republicans initially rejected. The Senate plan passed unanimously last week, prompting today's GOP alignment.

"We appreciate and share the President's determination to once and for all bring an end to the Democrat DHS shutdown," Johnson and Thune said in a joint statement. Trump added on Truth Social: "We are going to work as fast, and as focused, as possible to replenish funding for our Border and ICE Agents, and the Radical Left Democrats won't be able to stop us."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the plan, saying Republicans' internal divisions prolonged the crisis. "Senate Democrats never wavered. We were clear: fund critical security, protect Americans, and no blank check for reckless ICE enforcement."

Both chambers are in recess, but pro forma sessions on Thursday could allow quick votes via unanimous consent. Republicans aim to send legislation to Trump by June 1. The Senate Budget Committee has begun reconciliation work under Chair Lindsey Graham.