GOP Leaders Resist Calls to End DHS Shutdown as Lawmakers Spotted on Recess

Republican leaders show no signs of forcing members back to Washington to resolve funding impasse for the Department of Homeland Security.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting a government building or political symbol in motion, with overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in warm earth tones, deep blues, and muted reds, conveying a sense of political turmoil and division.The chaotic political gridlock over the DHS shutdown is reflected in a dynamic, fragmented visual metaphor.Today in Orlando

As lawmakers depart Washington for spring recess, Republican leaders are resisting calls to bring Congress back early to resolve the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Photos of GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham dining at Disney World and Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia visiting family in Las Vegas have sparked backlash, with critics arguing the optics of lawmakers vacationing while federal workers go unpaid is unacceptable. However, GOP leaders in the House and Senate remain at odds over the path forward, with neither willing to blink first and call their members back to session.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown is having real-world impacts, with thousands of federal workers going without pay, including Coast Guard civilian employees. The political stalemate is also causing travel disruptions as the White House has had to step in to pay some TSA workers. Resolving the shutdown is critical for maintaining national security and preventing further harm to federal agencies and the public.

The details

The House and Senate have passed competing proposals to fund DHS, but have left Washington for recess without reconciling their differences. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are each waiting for the other chamber to make the next move, with neither willing to interrupt their members' recess for what they view as a 'show vote' that won't pass. Some Republicans, like Rep. Jeff Van Drew, are growing increasingly frustrated with the dysfunction and are calling for lawmakers' paychecks to be withheld until a deal is reached.

  • Lawmakers departed Washington for spring recess on March 25, 2026.
  • Photos of Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Robert Garcia on vacation surfaced on social media on March 27, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina and a key ally of former President Trump.

Robert Garcia

A Democratic congressman representing a district in New Jersey that is home to the largest Coast Guard training center in the country.

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader.

Jeff Van Drew

A Republican congressman from New Jersey who is frustrated with the dysfunction surrounding the DHS shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just really, really, really tired of it. I'm really pissed off. Really sick of it. Quite frankly there's fault on both sides. Nobody's pure in this.”

— Jeff Van Drew, Republican Congressman

“In order for the Senate to come back, you'd need something for the Senate to consider. And since Democrats would kill the House-passed bill, we don't have something to consider.”

— Senate GOP Aide

“You know well that we're not 'off.' We're working every day in our home states. For most of us, this is when we have the time to go up and down our state and to meet with our constituents.”

— Chris Coons, Democratic Senator

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.