Story perspectives

DHS Shutdown Hits 38 Days Amid Funding Standoff

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partial shutdown has reached 38 days, tying for the second-longest in U.S. history.
Senate Democrats blocked funding again despite rising airport security concerns and unpaid TSA workers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) criticized Democrats for prioritizing their base over funding.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) faces scrutiny over his nomination to lead DHS because Democrats demand judicial warrants for ICE operations.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days from October 1, resulted from a standoff over the Affordable Care Act, leading to 800,000 federal employees being furloughed and an estimated $24 billion in economic losses. This conflict highlighted the deep partisan divides in Congress, a trend that continues today as funding disputes resurface, raising concerns about government operations and public safety.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partial shutdown has reached 38 days, tying for the second-longest in U.S. history.
Senate Democrats blocked funding again despite rising airport security concerns and unpaid TSA workers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) criticized Democrats for prioritizing their base over funding.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) faces scrutiny over his nomination to lead DHS because Democrats demand judicial warrants for ICE operations.

1 / 2