Anger Grows as Congress Remains on Recess Amid DHS Funding Crisis

Constituents in swing districts express frustration over lawmakers' inaction and lavish lifestyles while government employees go unpaid.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:22pm

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As Congress remains on recess amid a funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security, public anger is rising rapidly across the country. Constituents in politically divided districts, particularly Republican-held swing seats, are voicing frustration over lawmakers' inability to resolve the crisis and their perceived lavish lifestyles while government employees go unpaid. The dispute over DHS funding has centered on ICE and the Trump administration's mass-deportation campaign, with Democrats demanding reforms before agreeing to a deal. The situation has led to staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints and other disruptions, further fueling public discontent.

Why it matters

The DHS funding impasse is the latest in a series of crises that have eroded public trust in Congress, with the president's approval ratings sinking to new lows. Republicans are now facing the prospect of an electoral wipeout in the upcoming midterm elections, as their hold on the House majority appears precarious and their advantage in the Senate may also be in jeopardy.

The details

The dispute over DHS funding has centered on ICE and the Trump administration's mass-deportation campaign. Democrats have demanded reforms to ICE operations, including requirements for body cameras and judicial warrants, before agreeing to a funding deal. The two parties appeared to be making progress early last week before President Trump scuttled the talks by insisting that Republicans tie any DHS-funding deal to passage of an unrelated elections bill that Democrats oppose.

  • Congress went on a two-week Easter recess last week without resolving the DHS funding lapse.
  • President Trump briefly considered forcing Congress back into session but ultimately urged Republicans to ensure long-term DHS funding without Democratic votes, a process that could take weeks or months.

The players

Representative David Schweikert

A Republican who represents a politically divided district in Arizona and is running for governor, Schweikert has expressed frustration with Congress's inability to tackle the nation's structural problems.

President Trump

The president has been at the center of the DHS funding dispute, insisting that any deal be tied to passage of an unrelated elections bill that Democrats oppose.

Speaker Mike Johnson

The Republican House Speaker denounced the bipartisan compromise on DHS funding and sent the entire chamber home for a two-week recess.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

The Republican Senate leader agreed to President Trump's demand to ensure long-term DHS funding without Democratic votes, a process that could take weeks or months.

Erica Squires and Christina Squires

Two sisters in Schweikert's district who are making trade-offs and cutting back on spending due to rising prices, particularly for gas, and feel that Congress is not doing enough to address their concerns.

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What they’re saying

“It's a failure of everyone.”

— Representative David Schweikert, Republican representing a politically divided district in Arizona

“Aren't they not doing their job right now? They're on vacation while we're over here driving five miles to get cheaper gas.”

— Erica Squires, Freelance digital marketer

“Everything is terrible.”

— Middle-aged woman with a 'Don't tread on me' sticker on her truck

“They're having, like, an ego party. It seems very childish.”

— Layton Martin, Republican fitness trainer from Phoenix

“One side is using their rage at DHS to raise money and the other side-–my side-–is often terrified to actually have detailed, mathematically honest conversations about population and immigration.”

— Representative David Schweikert, Republican representing a politically divided district in Arizona

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.