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DHS Shutdown Hits 35 Days Amid Funding Standoff

3/21/2026

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Center

DHS Shutdown Escalates

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has reached 35 days.
Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies in a 47-37 vote.
Only Sen. John Fetterman voted with Republicans.
Democrats demand reforms to immigration enforcement before funding, while Republicans propose a two-step funding process.
The shutdown has caused significant delays at airports as TSA officers quit or call off work.

Right

Ossoff Blames Republicans

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) faces criticism for his stance amid the DHS funding shutdown that disrupted air travel at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Georgia.
He continues to blame Senate Republicans for blocking funding.
Georgia Republicans say his actions could harm his re-election campaign.
The Senate has failed to pass a funding bill, while Democrats demand immigration enforcement reforms, and the White House dismisses these demands as unserious.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days, stemmed from a standoff over the Affordable Care Act, resulting in an estimated $24 billion economic loss. This historical conflict echoes in the current 35-day shutdown, where Senate Democrats and Republicans are at odds over immigration funding, causing significant operational disruptions, including delays at major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson, and highlighting ongoing political gridlock.

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DHS Shutdown Escalates

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has reached 35 days.
Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies in a 47-37 vote.
Only Sen. John Fetterman voted with Republicans.
Democrats demand reforms to immigration enforcement before funding, while Republicans propose a two-step funding process.
The shutdown has caused significant delays at airports as TSA officers quit or call off work.

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