“Very Serene” – Senate Democrats Dismiss Homeland Security Shutdown as Threats Rise
Washington, D.C. – TSA agents are about to miss a full paycheck. Airports across the nation are descending into delay and cancellation chaos at the height of spring break. Multiple attacks in urban areas are being investigated as potential acts of terrorism. The FBI is reportedly warning that Iran may retaliate with drone assaults on the West Coast. And Iranian hacktivists have launched a cyberattack against a U.S. medical device maker.
Meanwhile, Democrat Senator and Appropriator Brian Schatz says Democrats are “very serene with what is going on,” as Senate Democrats continue holding funding for the Department of Homeland Security hostage – a reckless posture that risks national security and public safety. The contrast between parties is jarring.
House Republicans have twice passed full-year funding to keep DHS fully operational across all missions. The legislation advanced with support from members of both sides of the aisle – and reflects the same bipartisan, bicameral framework negotiated with both House and Senate Republicans and Democrats. It includes critical reforms that were negotiated between parties, such as requirements for law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and undergo de-escalation training, and requires additional notice and reporting to Congress.
It is deeply ironic that the party claiming to want reforms and tougher oversight of CBP and ICE is blocking the very bill that delivers both. Further, the Democrat “alternative” bill – which would fund every DHS agency except ICE and CBP – would undercut the appropriations process, give these agencies more flexibility, and reduce congressional oversight. While the OBBBA covers most ICE and CBP law enforcement pay and operations, full-year discretionary funds remain essential to fund non-law-enforcement personnel and the day-to-day operations that sustain these agencies.
Senate Democrats may feel “serene,” but the American people cannot afford that complacency. The Department of Homeland Security must be funded. Senate Democrats will have another opportunity today to end their crisis and do the right thing: advance full-year FY26 funding for the Department of Homeland Security and reopen operations protecting the American people.
If they refuse, the impacts of their shutdown will continue to ripple across the country. Every Senator who votes “no” is choosing to prolong the following consequences:
- DHS bills are going unpaid, meaning taxpayers will be on the hook for additional interest costs when the government reopens.
- TSA officers working without pay are set to miss a full paycheck this Friday.
- Airport staffing shortages are already leading to longer security lines and travel delays nationwide.
- First responder training at FEMA’s national training centers has been canceled.
- State and local governments cannot access key homeland security and terrorism prevention grants.
- FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has minimal funding and would run dry in a major disaster without new appropriations.
- The nation’s BioWatch early warning system for bioterrorist attacks in 30+ major cities is currently non-operational.
- A majority of cybersecurity personnel at CISA are furloughed while adversarial cyber actors target U.S. networks and infrastructure.
- Security assessments of critical infrastructure – including hospitals, power grids, and water systems – have been canceled.
- Critical Coast Guard training has stopped, including for pilots, aircrews, and boat crews who must maintain proficiency to operate in hazardous conditions.
- Scheduled USCG maintenance is deferred, and the flow of spare parts is disrupted – resulting in grounded aircraft, idle cutters, and a growing backlog of repairs that can take years to resolve.
- The National Maritime Center is closed, halting the issuance and renewal of credentials for thousands of U.S. merchant mariners who rely on valid credentials to work.
- Coast Guard civilian personnel – who support our Coasties – are not being paid.
- Maritime search and rescue, port security, and drug interdiction missions risk disruption.
- Investigations into drug trafficking, cybercrime, child exploitation, and human trafficking are being hindered.
- Americans buying homes in flood-prone areas cannot obtain new flood insurance policies.
- Democrats are blocking a pay raise for air traffic controllers included in the House funding bill.
National security is neither a game nor a political bargaining chip – and the American people deserve leaders who treat it with the seriousness it demands.
###
