Story perspectives

DHS Shutdown Sparks Tensions, Airport Lines Surge

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, now in its second month, has intensified conflict.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accuses Republicans of blocking funding for critical DHS operations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune claims Democrats refuse to negotiate.
TSA employees have missed paychecks, causing long security lines at airports.
At Austin airport, Republican Senator John Cornyn confronts Democratic Congressman Greg Casar, who says Democrats proposed funding only for TSA.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown in 2013 lasted 16 days, furloughing 800,000 federal employees and costing the economy an estimated $24 billion. This shutdown stemmed from disputes over the Affordable Care Act. Today, a similar funding impasse affects the Department of Homeland Security, with Senate leaders Schumer and Thune echoing past partisan conflicts, disrupting essential services like airport security.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, now in its second month, has intensified conflict.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accuses Republicans of blocking funding for critical DHS operations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune claims Democrats refuse to negotiate.
TSA employees have missed paychecks, causing long security lines at airports.
At Austin airport, Republican Senator John Cornyn confronts Democratic Congressman Greg Casar, who says Democrats proposed funding only for TSA.

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