WASHINGTON — A partial funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security is increasingly likely after Senate Democrats blocked a procedural vote on a House-passed DHS funding bill Thursday, leaving the chamber short of the 60 votes needed to advance the measure, POLITICO reported.
Negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats have stalled over immigration enforcement practices, despite a new administration proposal that Republicans say moved “a long ways” toward compromise.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will not support a short-term extension that maintains current enforcement policies, calling the White House’s latest offer insufficient. Although Trump border adviser Tom Homan announced ICE would end enhanced immigration enforcement — a key Democratic demand — Schumer said legislative action is still required. Senate Majority Leader John Thune countered that progress has been real, though “lines that neither side is probably going to be able to cross” remain, POLITICO, said.
If no agreement is reached, the shutdown would extend beyond Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, affecting agencies with broader public impact, including the Transportation Security Administration, FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard. For credit unions — particularly those serving Coast Guard members and DHS employees — that raises the prospect of delayed pay for certain personnel even as they remain on duty.
The Senate is expected to adjourn for a previously scheduled one-week recess, though members could be called back within 24 hours if a deal emerges. The House has also recessed but remains on 48-hour recall. Republicans are expected to attempt a short-term stopgap, but without unanimous consent in the Senate, that effort is likely to fail, increasing pressure on both parties to reach a last-minute agreement, POLITICO, said.
The Defense Credit Union Council noted credit unions stand ready to support those affected by political impasses.
“But the reality is clear: Coast Guard members, who are mission-essential, serving without regard to funding gridlock, would be forced to work without pay if DHS lapses occur, just as what happened in recent shutdowns. That’s unacceptable," said Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer.
“Those who defend our nation and safeguard our waters should never become political pawns in budget negotiations,” Stverak continued. “Congress has bipartisan legislative tools available, such as pay continuity protections for servicemembers, that would prevent this inequity. It’s time lawmakers act to ensure Coast Guard members and their families are not forced to shoulder the consequences of a funding stalemate.
"Beyond pay concerns, funding lapses carry real financial risks for military families. Credit unions across the country have historically stepped up during shutdowns by offering emergency lending, fee waivers, payment deferrals and other relief, but these voluntary solutions are stopgaps, not substitutes for predictable pay and federal stability," continued Stverak.