Department of Homeland Security Remains Closed
The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for over a month, and it seems Congress isn’t making any headway in terms of reopening it.
Democrats initiated a partial closure of DHS on February 14. They’re resistant to passing a spending bill in response to the deaths of anti-ICE activists Alex Preti and Renee Good. While Democrats have been critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE is actually funded for now, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed last summer.
“They’re almost never in the same building,” is a sentiment echoed by many observers of the situation.
Rather than crippling essential immigration services, Democrats are holding back funding for TSA and FEMA, which has led to nationwide delays and frustrations.
Looking ahead, Congress will be on a break during the district work week starting March 30 until April 10. This lack of urgency to resolve the matter is evident.
“The House and Senate have spent weeks discussing this issue, but rarely in the same space,” noted Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. “In fact, they have managed to approve more TSA agents than they have resolved this funding deadlock.”
“These officers deserve payment for the essential roles they play in keeping us safe,” Kelly continued. “It’s the least Congress can do before they leave for the weekend or even take an extended break.”
Kelly described the shutdown as a “moral failure,” highlighting that many families struggle to provide basic necessities because Congress isn’t taking action. He expressed deep concern, stating, “It’s unconscionable for TSOs to resort to selling plasma just to make ends meet. It’s a national disgrace that so many depend on food banks due to Congress’s inaction. This is a significant moral failing, and the American public should know who’s behind it.”
Kelly concluded by urging Congress to “stop making excuses” and to pass a bill that reopens DHS, ensuring workers are compensated appropriately.
