Full Breakdown
Trump Urges Congress to Pass SAVE America Act Amid DHS Funding Crisis
3/11/2026, 2:00:49 PM
Core Event: Funding Lapse at the Department of Homeland Security
President Donald Trump is calling on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act (SAA) and restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been operating without funding since February 14. This funding lapse has left over 100,000 federal employees without pay and has resulted in significant delays at airports as travelers face long wait times. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the president wants Congress to act swiftly to reopen DHS and ensure that employees receive their paychecks.
Key Provisions of the SAVE America Act
The SAVE America Act includes several controversial provisions aimed at reforming election processes. These include requiring voters to show identification to cast a ballot, mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration, ending universal mail-in ballots with certain exceptions, banning biological males from competing in women's sports, and prohibiting transgender surgery for minors. Leavitt described the legislation as "one of the most critical pieces of legislation in our nation’s history," claiming broad public support for its provisions.
Impact on National Security and Public Services
The ongoing funding lapse at DHS has raised concerns about national security, especially in light of recent international tensions, including airstrikes against Iran. Critics argue that the shutdown could hinder DHS's ability to respond to potential threats, as the agency oversees critical operations like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Reports indicate that TSA officers are calling out at higher rates than during previous shutdowns, exacerbating delays in airport security.
Official Statements & Responses
Leavitt reiterated Trump's commitment to ensuring that DHS is "fully funded and fully reopened," highlighting the strain on families affected by the funding lapse. She dismissed claims that the SAVE America Act would disenfranchise voters, particularly married women who change their names, stating, "There is zero validity to these claims." Leavitt emphasized that the act does not prohibit anyone from voting, except for illegal aliens.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have resisted calls to fund DHS without addressing immigration enforcement reforms. Jeffries criticized Republicans for prioritizing the shutdown over essential services, stating, "They’ve made the affirmative decision that they’d rather shut down FEMA, shut down the Coast Guard, and shut down TSA, as opposed to getting ICE under control." This ongoing stalemate has led to increased pressure on congressional Democrats to approve funding amid rising security concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the White House estimates that approximately 100,000 DHS employees are not being paid, the exact number of employees required to work during the shutdown remains undisclosed. Reports indicate that roughly 90% of DHS's 260,000 employees are still required to report to work, but the impact of the funding lapse on their morale and operational effectiveness is unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- "The Save America Act is overwhelmingly popular with all Americans because each provision is rooted in common sense." — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary
- "To any American out there who is struggling without a paycheck, we know there’s more than 100,000 of you across the country." — Karoline Leavitt
- "There are real threats against our homeland & NYC remains a top target." — Rep. Nicole Maliotakis (R-NY)
- "They’ve made the affirmative decision that they’d rather shut down FEMA, shut down the Coast Guard, and shut down TSA." — Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
As the situation develops, the urgency for Congress to address both the SAVE America Act and the DHS funding crisis remains critical.
