Johnson Dismantles Senate Deal to Address Airport Crisis, Questions Thune's Authority
House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate agreement intended to alleviate the ongoing crisis at U.S. airports, effectively undermining Senate Republican Leader John Thune's authority in the process. “This gambit that was done last night is a joke,” Johnson remarked following a lengthy discussion with House Republicans.
Johnson firmly stated, “The Republicans are not going to be part of any effort to reopen our borders or to stop immigration enforcement.” He emphasized the party's commitment to deporting dangerous criminal illegal aliens, asserting it as a fundamental government responsibility. “The Democrats fundamentally disagree,” he added, highlighting the stark divide between the two parties.
Instead of supporting the Senate's proposal, Johnson announced plans for a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels until May 22. He claimed to have discussed this strategy with former President Donald Trump, who expressed his support. Trump later reiterated his backing during an interview, criticizing Democrats for their stance on border security.
Earlier that day, the Senate had passed a bill by voice vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. This move came as Democrats sought to implement safeguards for ICE and border patrol following recent incidents involving law enforcement actions in Minneapolis.
In response to the mounting chaos at airports due to funding lapses since February, Trump signed an executive order aimed at compensating TSA employees, addressing the long security lines that plagued travelers. “America’s air travel system has reached its breaking point,” he stated in the memo authorizing these payments.
Despite the urgency, Johnson criticized the Senate's legislation, expressing skepticism about whether all Senate Republicans had thoroughly reviewed the bill's language. “I'm quite convinced that it can't be that every Senate Republican read the language of this bill,” he remarked.
As Johnson prepares for a House vote on a stopgap spending bill, many senators have already departed Washington for the Passover and Easter recess. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed Johnson's proposal outright, insisting that Democrats would not provide unchecked funding for what he termed Trump’s “lawless and deadly immigration militia.”
While Johnson refrained from directly criticizing Thune, he implied that the Senate leader had lost control over proceedings. “I wouldn't call John Thune the engineer of this,” he said, attributing responsibility instead to Schumer and the Democrats. “I have to protect the House and I have to protect the American people.”
The Senate agreement also sparked outrage among conservative factions within the House, particularly the House Freedom Caucus, who had aimed to attach their SAVE America Act—legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. This push comes despite evidence suggesting that voter fraud is not as widespread as claimed by some Republicans.
The House Rules Committee is set to convene later today to discuss the proposed legislation. However, even if it passes, there is no assurance that the Senate will consider it. Senators John Cornyn and Susan Collins are expected to focus on their re-election campaigns during the recess.
Regardless of legislative outcomes, ICE will continue receiving funding due to a previous allocation of $75 billion from last year’s comprehensive spending bill.
