Republicans were pushing for a longer extension of the Homeland Security funding, but the two sides were “getting closer,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. Still far apart on policyAs the two sides narrowed in on a spending deal, the length of a temporary extension for Homeland Security funding emerged as a sticking point. Even if the two sides strike a deal, negotiations down the road on a final agreement on the Homeland Security bill are likely to be difficult. Uncertainty in the HouseAcross the Capitol, House Republicans have said they do not want any changes to the bill they passed last week. “The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” they wrote.