Story perspectives

DHS Shutdown Hits 45 Days, Travel Delays Worsen

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has reached its 45th day as U.S. House Republicans rejected Senate deal excluding ICE funding.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticizes the Senate's approach, while Chuck Schumer's Democrats claim victory on no ICE funding.
Travel delays worsen as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces staffing shortages ahead of FIFA World Cup.
Senator John Fetterman emphasizes urgency to resolve shutdown and restore airport security.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days from October 1 to 17, stemmed from a standoff over the Affordable Care Act, with Congressional Republicans seeking to delay its funding. This impasse resulted in an estimated $24 billion economic loss and furloughed 800,000 federal employees. The current 45-day shutdown reflects ongoing partisan divisions, particularly over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

1 of 2

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has reached its 45th day as U.S. House Republicans rejected Senate deal excluding ICE funding.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticizes the Senate's approach, while Chuck Schumer's Democrats claim victory on no ICE funding.
Travel delays worsen as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces staffing shortages ahead of FIFA World Cup.
Senator John Fetterman emphasizes urgency to resolve shutdown and restore airport security.

1 / 2