Story perspectives

House Democrats Urge DHS Funding Amid Shutdown Standoff

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Democrats push a discharge petition to fund most Department of Homeland Security agencies, excluding ICE and CBP, to ease TSA workers' burden during shutdown.
Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Republicans for their stance, saying they are holding the country hostage.
ICE and CBP agents continue to receive pay due to prior funding.
The potential bipartisan deal remains uncertain because Republicans may use a reconciliation package for funding.

History

Historical Context

The 2019 government shutdown, affecting 800,000 federal employees, stemmed from ongoing budgetary conflicts between Congress and the President. This echoed previous standoffs, notably the 2013 shutdown, which lasted 16 days due to disputes over the Affordable Care Act. Such shutdowns highlight a persistent struggle for budget control in U.S. politics, impacting federal operations and workers' livelihoods.

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Story summary

House Democrats push a discharge petition to fund most Department of Homeland Security agencies, excluding ICE and CBP, to ease TSA workers' burden during shutdown.
Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Republicans for their stance, saying they are holding the country hostage.
ICE and CBP agents continue to receive pay due to prior funding.
The potential bipartisan deal remains uncertain because Republicans may use a reconciliation package for funding.

1 / 2