Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana proposed a strategic path to end the partial government shutdown during a Sunday appearance on "Sunday Night in America." Kennedy suggested that Republicans should accept the Democrats’ offer to reopen all federal agencies except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He argued that the GOP could then immediately fund ICE through a reconciliation bill, which requires only a simple majority.
"I would accept the Democrats’ offer to open up everything except ICE at DHS," Kennedy told host Trey Gowdy. "Then, the very next day, I would pass a reconciliation bill which crafts a budget for ICE." The senator noted that this approach would allow Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition entirely to secure border enforcement funding.
Kennedy emphasized that this legislative tactic would mirror how previous major Republican priorities were successfully passed. "We can do it without any Democratic votes," Kennedy stated. He added that while Democrats are welcome to join, the GOP has the numbers to act alone if necessary.
The senator expressed deep concern for federal employees who are currently working without pay during the standoff. He specifically highlighted the pressure on Transportation Security Administration agents, many of whom are considering seeking other employment. Kennedy used his signature blunt style to describe the current impact on those workers as a Great Dane-sized whiz down their legs.
The funding delay has already led to reports of increased wait times at airports as TSA agents face mounting financial stress. Kennedy argued that the current situation is the result of a Democratic Party that is ideologically committed to the abolition of ICE. "Democrats are not going to vote for anything, anything, that has to do with ICE, because their party tells them they have to abolish it," he explained.
By separating ICE funding from the rest of the Department of Homeland Security, Kennedy believes the government could be fully functional in a week. He urged his colleagues to stop giving pretty speeches on the floor and take the common sense path to reopening. For the people of Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation, the focus remains on whether leadership will take this opening to end the shutdown.