Story perspectives

Congress Leaves for Break, DHS Funding Unresolved

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Congress left for a two-week Easter break without fully funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), risking voter backlash in November.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan criticized Congress for tying DHS funding to immigration policy disputes.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have worked without pay and are set to receive back pay after an executive action.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will remain deployed at airports until operations normalize.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 government shutdown, lasting 35 days, stemmed from a standoff over President Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to fund a border wall. This impasse affected approximately 800,000 federal employees, including TSA workers, who faced unpaid furloughs. The shutdown highlighted ongoing tensions over immigration policy, contributing to significant voter discontent in the 2018 midterm elections and raising concerns about national security and public trust.

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Story summary

Congress left for a two-week Easter break without fully funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), risking voter backlash in November.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan criticized Congress for tying DHS funding to immigration policy disputes.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have worked without pay and are set to receive back pay after an executive action.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will remain deployed at airports until operations normalize.

1 / 2