Story perspectives

DHS Shutdown Looms as Lawmakers Fail to Resolve Funding

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security is set to shut down due to funding lapses, disrupting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations.
Lawmakers left for a recess without resolving disputes over immigration enforcement funding.
Democrats call for reforms after violent incidents involving federal agents.
The shutdown marks the third funding lapse during U.S. President Donald Trump’s term, though essential DHS functions continue.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown from October 1 to 17, 2013, stemmed from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees. This 16-day shutdown highlighted the ongoing political divisions in Congress, echoing previous shutdowns since 1980, and raised concerns about the impact of such deadlocks on federal operations and national security.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security is set to shut down due to funding lapses, disrupting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations.
Lawmakers left for a recess without resolving disputes over immigration enforcement funding.
Democrats call for reforms after violent incidents involving federal agents.
The shutdown marks the third funding lapse during U.S. President Donald Trump’s term, though essential DHS functions continue.

1 / 2