Story perspectives

Congress Fails DHS Funding; 90% Workers Unpaid

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Approximately 90% of DHS's 260,000 employees will continue working without pay.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will have about 95% of its 61,000 employees working unpaid.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations will continue on the basis of previous funding.
Democrats demand reforms in immigration enforcement before funding.

History

Historical Context

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established on March 1, 2003, in response to the September 11 attacks, consolidating 22 agencies to enhance national security. With approximately 240,000 employees, DHS faces ongoing budgetary conflicts, particularly regarding immigration reforms, reflecting historical challenges in balancing security priorities with legislative negotiations, which impact its operational effectiveness and employee morale.

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Story summary

Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Approximately 90% of DHS's 260,000 employees will continue working without pay.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will have about 95% of its 61,000 employees working unpaid.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations will continue on the basis of previous funding.
Democrats demand reforms in immigration enforcement before funding.

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