Sen. Van Hollen says Democrats are 'not holding up' DHS funding

Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Democrats are not blocking Department of Homeland Security funding, responding to Republican blame after House Republicans declined to vote on a Senate-passed bill that would fund most of the agency. The statement came as the two chambers remained at odds over DHS appropriations, with Republicans controlling the House majority and able to decide whether to bring legislation to the floor. The funding dispute reflects broader partisan tensions over how to finance federal agencies heading into the fiscal year. Van Hollen's comment signals Democratic pushback against Republican characterization of who is responsible for any potential lapse in DHS funding. The standoff underscores how spending negotiations can become flashpoints in divided government, particularly for a department critical to border security and immigration enforcement.