Story perspectives

FEMA Halts Non-Emergency Work Amid Shutdown and Storms

2/26/2026

Summary

Noem Halts FEMA Operations

Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security, amid a shutdown, has halted non-emergency FEMA recovery work to focus on life-saving operations.
The decision comes despite FEMA's $7.1 billion disaster fund, prompting questions about timing.
Lawmakers criticized the Global Entry suspension, saying it undermines national security and traveler convenience.
The disruption coincides with severe winter storms in the Northeast, hindering disaster response and delaying deployments.

Summary

Trump Stalls DHS Funding

The partial DHS shutdown continues as funding talks stall between Senate Democrats and the White House under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Democrats demand ICE reforms, including judicial warrants and accountability measures, after two fatal shootings by federal agents.
The White House has rejected these demands, leaving the funding impasse unresolved.
DHS operations are affected, with Global Entry suspended and TSA pay issues.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown in October 2013, lasting 16 days, stemmed from budget disputes primarily over the Affordable Care Act, resulting in the furlough of 800,000 federal employees. This historical struggle reflects ongoing challenges in balancing budgetary constraints with essential services, as seen in the current impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security amid pressing national security concerns.

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Noem Halts FEMA Operations

Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security, amid a shutdown, has halted non-emergency FEMA recovery work to focus on life-saving operations.
The decision comes despite FEMA's $7.1 billion disaster fund, prompting questions about timing.
Lawmakers criticized the Global Entry suspension, saying it undermines national security and traveler convenience.
The disruption coincides with severe winter storms in the Northeast, hindering disaster response and delaying deployments.

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