House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to advance three major bills during the pre-recess week: a long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the farm bill, and the Senate-passed budget reconciliation package to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol (CBP) [1].

However, on Monday night, House Republican leaders failed to move the proposed rule out of committee, effectively freezing the House and preventing votes on key legislation that week [1]. This deadlock has raised concerns over the imminent lapse of the Section 702 FISA program, set to expire by Thursday night, April 30 [1].

Rifts within the House GOP contribute to the stalemate. Some Republicans oppose the proposed rule, pressing for modifications including warrant requirements in the FISA bill [1]. Representative Tim Burchett bluntly called for lawmakers to "redo it," reflecting frustration with the current draft [1].

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also in limbo. Johnson wants to amend the Senate-passed appropriations bill because it contains language that would zero out funding for ICE and CBP [1]. House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington commented, "There are very few things that garner the strong support of every member of our conference, that one was roundly rejected," and warned, "It would be naive in this town to say, 'Trust us, vote to turn all of Homeland on except for ICE and CBP.'" [1]

Meanwhile, some House Republicans want the Senate reconciliation package to move first. They fear the Senate could reverse course on ICE and CBP funding if the House passes a standalone DHS spending bill first [1]. Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have hinted the Senate may act on the FISA extension first to put pressure on the House [1].

The House Rules Committee could attempt again to move the measure as soon as Tuesday, April 28, but no vote has been scheduled yet [1]. Without Congressional action, DHS workers are set to miss their next paycheck next week [1].

The impasse leaves lawmakers racing against a Thursday midnight deadline for Section 702 and looming funding gaps for homeland security operations.