By Anvee Bhutani

Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) told reporters Monday that Republicans are open to reforms at the Department of Homeland Security but stopped short of supporting a separate funding measure for DHS.

"That certainly would not be my first choice," Collins said, noting that she is working with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.). The Senate must pass a broader government funding package by the end of the week to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee that allocates federal money, emphasized that the current spending bill already includes key measures, such as $20 million for body-worn cameras, inspector general reviews of detention centers, and additional oversight of DHS spending. She also highlighted reforms focused on de-escalation training for ICE and Border Patrol personnel.

Regarding the possibility of a partial government shutdown if Democrats refuse to support a package containing DHS funding, Collins said she hopes it can be avoided, calling shutdowns "extremely harmful and should be avoided at all costs."

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 26, 2026 18:48 ET (23:48 GMT)

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