Congress Faces Deadline as DHS Funding Standoff Persists

Alexa Monteleone

Summary

DHS shutdown nears record length as Congress struggles for a funding deal.

Why this matters

A prolonged DHS shutdown disrupts airport security, highlighting deep partisan divisions over immigration policy and federal funding.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding gap is nearing a record for the longest federal agency shutdown. The impasse continues as President Donald Trump and Congress remain divided over an agreement, with a two-week recess for Passover and Easter looming.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the urgency, warning it would be difficult to justify taking a break without resolving the issue. Despite Trump’s insistence on including the GOP’s SAVE America Act in any deal, the Senate may stay in session, while House leaders do not plan to cut their recess.

The shutdown, which would reach 60 days by April 13, is impacting airports nationwide as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, unpaid, call out of work. In response, ICE agents will be assigned to airports to cover essential tasks.

Negotiations have resumed, with bipartisan discussions last week including President Trump’s border advisor, Tom Homan. The White House’s expanded offer addresses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities—the central conflict in talks.

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Perspectives & reactions

Democrat Senators like Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King are engaging with the White House. Sen. Patty Murray emphasized Democratic unity in conveying their requirements to the administration.

Sen. Katie Britt expressed disappointment over stalled progress, having viewed recent meetings positively. She and other Republicans argue for total DHS funding, countering Democratic offers to fund DHS excluding ICE and CBP.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested funding TSA as negotiations proceed, but Republicans object. Agencies like ICE and CBP already have significant funding, while TSA faces disruptions, with hundreds of workers quitting.

With the possibility of extending the Senate session, the House, guided by Speaker Mike Johnson, remains firm on recess plans, arguing the resolution rests with Senate Democrats and the White House.

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