Congress Votes to End Historic 75-Day DHS Shutdown Following GOP Leadership Retreat

US House passes critical funding for TSA and DHS agencies after a historic 75-day shutdown, following a strategic retreat by Speaker Mike Johnson in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 3:41 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Major Retreat Under Intrapary Pressure

The sudden passage of the funding package by voice vote represents a major reversal for Speaker Mike Johnson. For over two months, Johnson had resisted bringing the Senate-passed measure to the floor, facing intense pressure from the House’s ultraconservative wing. However, the Speaker’s position became untenable as centrist Republicans and vulnerable incumbents grew weary of the chaos. With DHS employees on the verge of missing yet another paycheck and emergency funds nearly exhausted, leadership determined that a retreat was the only way to avoid further damage to the party’s standing before a week-long recess.

Impact of the Record-Breaking Agency Paralysis

The 75-day impasse has left a visible mark on national infrastructure and federal operations. The shutdown resulted in massive security lines at major airports and forced DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to issue public warnings regarding the department’s dwindling emergency reserves. By passing the Senate’s version of the bill which specifically omits funding for federal immigration enforcement the House has essentially "zeroed out" ICE for the current funding cycle. This development has sparked outrage among hardline conservatives like Representative Chip Roy, who labeled the funding method "asinine" and warned of the precedent it sets for future appropriations.

Strategic Shifts and Internal Republican Conflict

The decision to avoid a recorded vote allowed Republican leadership to push the bill through without forcing members to take a public stand on defunding ICE a move many fear could lead to primary challenges from the right. Speaker Johnson had tried to negotiate "tweaks" to the legislative language to appease his right flank but was met with firm resistance from Senate GOP spending leaders. Ultimately, the pressure from centrist chairmen prevailed, as they argued that voters would hold Republicans accountable for continued disruptions to TSA and FEMA operations.