Story perspectives

House Democrats Push DHS Funding Bill Amid Shutdown

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Democrats back Rep. Rosa DeLauro's bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, excluding immigration enforcement provisions.
The bill introduced five weeks ago is eligible for a discharge petition led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
DeLauro urged Republicans to support the measure, citing reforms in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Despite the shutdown, essential DHS staff, including TSA agents, continue to work but have missed paychecks.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 transformed U.S. immigration policy by abolishing national origin quotas, allowing increased immigration from non-European countries. This shift followed decades of restrictive laws, including the 1952 McCarran-Walter Act. Today, Rep. Rosa DeLauro's bill continues the debate on immigration enforcement, reflecting ongoing complexities in national security and workforce management within the U.S.

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Story summary

House Democrats back Rep. Rosa DeLauro's bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, excluding immigration enforcement provisions.
The bill introduced five weeks ago is eligible for a discharge petition led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
DeLauro urged Republicans to support the measure, citing reforms in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Despite the shutdown, essential DHS staff, including TSA agents, continue to work but have missed paychecks.

1 / 2