Lawmakers Clash Over DHS Funding as Airport Lines Grow

Senators from both parties express frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Republican and Democratic senators engaged in a heated debate on the Senate floor over the lack of progress in funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has resulted in longer lines at airports across the country. Democrats are seeking changes to DHS operations, including restricting ICE enforcement at certain locations and requiring warrants for agents to enter private spaces. Republicans have rejected these demands, leading to an impasse that is expected to worsen as the shutdown enters its fourth week.

Why it matters

The ongoing DHS funding dispute highlights the deep partisan divide in Congress over immigration enforcement policies. The shutdown is causing significant disruptions at airports, raising concerns about public safety and the economy. Resolving the standoff is crucial to restoring normal operations at DHS and addressing the growing backlog of travelers.

The details

Democrats are seeking several changes at DHS, including prohibiting ICE enforcement operations at sensitive locations like schools and churches, allowing independent investigations into alleged wrongdoing, requiring warrants for federal agents to enter private homes or spaces without consent, and mandating that agents wear identification and remove masks. Republicans have rejected these demands, with Sen. Eric Schmitt saying they will not 'kneecap ICE's ability to enforce our immigration laws.' The White House has also been involved in the negotiations, but Democrats want assurances that senior adviser Stephen Miller will not undermine any agreements reached by senators.

  • The DHS funding dispute began on February 14, 2026.
  • The current partial government shutdown affecting DHS has entered its fourth week.

The players

Brian Schatz

A Democratic senator from Hawaii who expressed frustration over the political nature of the DHS funding dispute.

Eric Schmitt

A Republican senator from Missouri who stated that they will not 'kneecap ICE's ability to enforce our immigration laws.'

Patty Murray

The lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, who said she is willing to talk to Republicans but needs assurance that White House adviser Stephen Miller will not undermine any agreements.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader, a Republican from South Dakota, who said his party has made repeated overtures to Democrats on a funding bill but has received no response.

Stephen Miller

A senior White House adviser who Democrats are concerned could undermine any agreements reached by senators.

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What they’re saying

“We are in a negotiation. However, we are not close. You may think this is some issue that we think we're going to turn to our political advantage, but I promise you, when we saw Renee Good and Alex Pretti killed, this became an issue that was beyond politics.”

— Brian Schatz, Senator (tribtoday.com)

“Let me be clear, we are going to do nothing — nothing — that kneecaps ICE's ability to enforce our immigrations laws.”

— Eric Schmitt, Senator (tribtoday.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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