DHS funding talks bog down after Senate Democrats add new demands

Top Senate appropriators and centrist dealmakers met with White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday to negotiate an end to the month-long shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, but left the negotiating session still far from a deal.

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, Maine Republican, said there was “robust discussion” in the meeting and some progress, but that a deal remains elusive as Democrats added to the immigration enforcement policy changes they are seeking.  

“No one wants to see the Department of Homeland Security closed down, but unfortunately, the Democrats’ list of demands keeps growing, and that makes it difficult,” she said.

She did not elaborate on the new demands.

The Democrats’ previous demands include dramatically restricting where federal immigration agents can make deportation arrests, requiring judicial warrants to enter private property to arrest illegal immigrants, and prohibiting agents from wearing masks.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democratic appropriator, said the two sides are no closer to a deal but otherwise declined to characterize the talks.

Mr. Homan also declined to reveal details of the negotiations.

“We need to get the government open and we’re going to keep having discussions,” he said.

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• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.