Republicans are criticizing Democrats for allegedly “undermining” national security and emergency readiness as the partial government shutdown has left the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without sufficient funding for over a week.
This funding shortfall—now the third in three months—affects agencies like the Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), all while the Northeast is grappling with a snowstorm that has dumped more than 2.5 feet of snow. In a post from the Republican-controlled House Homeland Security Committee, it stated, “Once again, extreme winter weather is hitting the Northeast, and TSA and FEMA employees are facing uncertain paychecks due to the Democratic shutdown.”
They expressed concern about the funding implications, emphasizing that “DHS frontline workers deserve stability,” and noted that for the second time in six months, Democrats are compromising the nation’s road safety and emergency readiness.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) also weighed in, arguing that the immediate furlough of 670,000 federal workers could backfire on Democrats as they negotiate matters related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He pointed out that “TSA, CISA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and Secret Service employees work without pay,” suggesting that targeting ICE, which still has funding, was poor policy. “It’s wrong to hold innocent people hostage,” he added.
Similarly, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the shutdown’s impact, stressing it causes real-world consequences that jeopardize national security and affects Homeland Security employees who are working unpaid.
Federal funding for DHS expired on February 14 after Congress couldn’t agree on a long-term funding bill, although Trump’s ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies are still financed through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Recently, after a Secret Service agent fatally shot an intruder at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, Republicans raised concerns about the financial situation of Trump’s bodyguard staff. A Secret Service spokesperson clarified that agents are not currently at risk of missing pay due to ongoing funding in place. However, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) criticized the Democrats for what he described as intentional defunding of the DHS, raising fears about personnel’s safety and compensation during the shutdown.
Larry Elder, a conservative talk show host, remarked that had there been an assassination attempt on President Obama during a Republican shutdown, the public reaction would have likely been much different. The potential risks of the Secret Service losing funding if the shutdown continues remain unclear.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt condemned the decision to shut down DHS as “shameful and reckless,” highlighting that federal law enforcement is continuously working to ensure safety for all Americans.
Stephen Miller, an adviser on homeland security during Trump’s administration, noted that actions have been taken that undermine the funding for organizations that support the Secret Service. “No point in history has federal law enforcement been intentionally defunded,” he stated.
“Will the shutdown affect the State of the Union?”
DHS oversees the Secret Service, which provides protection for Trump during the State of the Union address, alongside FEMA’s Office of National Continuity Programs responsible for ensuring government operations in emergencies. Reports suggest that ONCP is significantly affected by the funding lapse. An email to FEMA agency heads indicated that a national emergency during this time could threaten the nation’s continuity. However, a DHS spokeswoman assured that operations for the State of the Union would remain unaffected, though non-essential training travel has been halted.
“Who else is having cash flow problems?”
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure, is also facing impacts from the shutdown. Madhu Gotumkara, acting director of CISA, warned lawmakers that shutdowns don’t stop enemies from posing threats. He mentioned that the funding expiration would hinder CISA’s capabilities and leave significant security program gaps.
FEMA and TSA have been placed under “emergency operation status,” with FEMA reducing activities to essential operations only. TSA announced the suspension of non-essential privileges, including ceremonial duties like escorting Congress members at airports.
Officials have indicated that TSA security screeners may not miss their first paycheck until mid-March. Meanwhile, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) and others raised alarms about compensation concerns for around 41,000 U.S. Coast Guard members, potentially facing paycheck delays. They implored Trump to intervene to ensure service members are paid on time.
