House Republicans are sounding the alarm about the implications of a continued shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as the funding issues seem to have no resolution in sight. A hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday by the House Homeland Security Committee to discuss the security risks and financial difficulties that many DHS employees are experiencing due to the ongoing shutdown. Officials from agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard are anticipated to provide testimony regarding how the funding gaps are affecting their operations and staff well-being.
Criticism has been directed at almost every Democratic member for not supporting a comprehensive DHS funding measure. This comes at a time when the threat level is elevated, particularly during the spring travel season and amid tensions involving Israel and Iran. It’s likely that DHS could face closure as soon as next week following a backlash from Democrats against the White House’s latest immigration proposal aimed at addressing funding shortages.
“It’s deeply troubling that the core mission of DHS is being undermined by political tactics from the Democrats, especially during our busiest travel season and with increasing threats both physically and cyber-wise,” remarked Congressman Andrew Garbarino from New York. “Every day this shutdown continues adds to the difficulties facing the hardworking DHS employees who are on the frontline of protecting our nation.”
As the spring travel season approaches, where an estimated 170 million Americans are expected to utilize U.S. airports, the repercussions of the government shutdown on air travel are becoming increasingly concerning. Currently, over 50,000 TSA employees are missing paychecks during this extended shutdown, leading some to resign or not report for duty. Around 360 TSA employees have chosen retirement, with about 10% of workers absent during the most recent Sunday of the 34-day partial closure.
This lack of staffing has contributed to lengthy security wait times at major hubs, although some airports still manage to keep processing relatively smoothly. For example, lines at JFK and LaGuardia airports were around 20 minutes on Wednesday evening. While 85% of FEMA employees remained active during the fall 2025 shutdown, many have likely been working without pay, and agency leaders have expressed concerns about their ability to respond to major disasters during the shutdown.
This hearing takes place as Democrats propose a bill for funding all DHS subsidiaries that are not tied to immigration enforcement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York announced plans for a vote on this bill by initiating a dismissal petition, which would require a few Republican signatures to proceed.
Garbarino has openly criticized the Democratic approach, stating, “I want my colleagues across the aisle to understand that there’s too much at stake to keep blocking complete funding for the department; piecemeal funding simply doesn’t cut it.” In response, Senate Republicans have blocked a similar bill, asserting that all aspects of DHS, including immigration enforcement, must receive year-round funding.
