🏛️ DHS Funding Lapses as Congress Leaves Washington Without Deal

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing a funding lapse after lawmakers departed Washington without reaching an agreement, escalating tensions over border policy and federal spending. 🇺🇸💰

Despite ongoing negotiations, both parties continue trading proposals, offering some hope for a compromise. However, it remains unclear which Democratic demands the White House is willing to accept, leaving the funding dispute unresolved.

⏰ DHS Funding Officially Expires

With no deal in place, DHS funding expired at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, triggering a partial government shutdown affecting several critical agencies.

Federal employees at agencies such as:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• United States Coast Guard

will continue working without pay, as their positions are classified as essential. 🚨

🚨 ICE and CBP Largely Unaffected

Two agencies central to the dispute — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — are less affected.

Their employees will continue working and receiving pay due to $75 billion in funding approved last year under legislation backed by Donald Trump, often referred to by him as the “big, beautiful bill.”

📅 Congress Away Until Feb. 23

Lawmakers are not scheduled to return to Washington until February 23, meaning the shutdown could last at least 10 days — unless negotiations accelerate and members reconvene sooner.

John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, said lawmakers are prepared to return if an agreement is reached.

🗳️ Senate Votes Fall Short

On Thursday, Senate Republicans failed to pass a full-year DHS funding bill, falling short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster.

Only John Fetterman broke with most Democrats to support the measure.

A proposed two-week stopgap funding bill was also blocked by Chris Murphy, as Democrats insisted they would not accept another short-term extension without broader reforms.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for “serious guardrails” to rein in ICE and address concerns over enforcement practices, stating that Americans are demanding congressional action.

🔎 What Happens Next?

With no immediate resolution in sight, the DHS funding lapse adds fresh uncertainty to federal operations and border policy debates. While essential services continue, prolonged negotiations could intensify political pressure on both parties to reach a bipartisan agreement.

The coming days will determine whether lawmakers can break the deadlock — or whether the shutdown extends deeper into February.