The partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to continue as Congress remains deadlocked over funding, with both chambers scheduled for a two-week recess. The stalemate has now surpassed 45 days, making it the longest shutdown of a federal department in U.S. history.
Core Facts:
The Senate unanimously passed a bill to fund most of DHS except Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), but House Republicans rejected it, calling it a "joke." Instead, the House approved a 60-day continuing resolution to fund the entire department, which the Senate has not taken up.
President Donald Trump has taken executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, but other DHS employees remain unpaid as the shutdown drags on.
Deeper Dive & Context:
Divided Republican Response
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized the Senate bill, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have been negotiating a compromise. Some Senate Republicans have distanced themselves from the shutdown, while others blame Democrats for the impasse.
Democratic Stance
Senate Democrats have insisted on reforms to ICE following recent controversies, including two deadly shootings by federal agents. They argue that the Senate bill reflects the strain on other DHS agencies and that Republicans should not have negotiated with them.
Political Implications
The shutdown comes as President Trump faces poor polling numbers, particularly among independent voters, and Republicans brace for a tough midterm election. Analysts suggest the infighting underscores a "real problem" for the GOP as they struggle to present a unified front.
Public Impact
Tens of thousands of DHS employees have been furloughed or are working without pay. While lawmakers can defer their salaries during a shutdown, the prolonged impasse has raised concerns about the government's ability to function effectively.
Next Steps
Congress is set to return on April 13, but without agreement between the House and Senate, the shutdown will continue. Senate Democrats have indicated they will not support further negotiations until Republicans agree to their demands on ICE reforms.