Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Deepens Amid DHS Funding Standoff

3/10/2026

Center

Shutdown Stalemate Continues

On its 21st day, the shutdown centers on funding for Department of Homeland Security after the House passed a DHS bill.
Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer oppose it without ICE reforms after fatal shootings by federal agents.
U.S. President Donald Trump fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, widening the stalemate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a vote to end the shutdown is unlikely until Monday, March 9, 2026.

Right

Booker Demands Hearings

Senator Cory Booker leads six senators—Tim Kaine, Tammy Duckworth, Chris Murphy, Tammy Baldwin, and Adam Schiff—in threatening to obstruct Senate proceedings for public hearings on the Iran war.
They introduced five war powers resolutions last week to increase oversight of the administration's military actions.
Booker stressed accountability, saying the Senate has failed to discuss the war adequately.
The group will obstruct immediately unless hearings are granted, forcing votes.

History

Historical Context

The 16-day U.S. government shutdown in October 2013 stemmed from a standoff over funding the Affordable Care Act, with House Speaker John Boehner leading efforts to defund it against Senate Democrats, including Harry Reid. This shutdown, which furloughed approximately 800,000 federal employees, highlights ongoing political divisions and has parallels to the current funding disputes affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

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Shutdown Stalemate Continues

On its 21st day, the shutdown centers on funding for Department of Homeland Security after the House passed a DHS bill.
Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer oppose it without ICE reforms after fatal shootings by federal agents.
U.S. President Donald Trump fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, widening the stalemate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a vote to end the shutdown is unlikely until Monday, March 9, 2026.

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