Senate Democrats Block DHS Funding Bill as Jihadists Attack Homeland

Democrats vote against Homeland Security funding due to concerns over ICE and CBP

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:20am

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Senate Democrats on Thursday defeated a motion to proceed to a House-passed bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the 27-day shutdown that has hampered the functions of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other critical agencies. The motion failed by a vote of 51 to 46, with only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voting with Republicans to advance the funding bill.

Why it matters

The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has disrupted the operations of critical agencies responsible for national security and public safety, raising concerns about the government's ability to respond to potential threats, including from jihadist groups.

The details

Democrats voted against the Homeland Security appropriations bill because it includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), two agencies they say need reforms after immigration agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.

  • The Senate vote took place on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for 27 days.

The players

Senate Democrats

A group of Democratic senators who voted against advancing the Homeland Security funding bill.

Sen. John Fetterman

A centrist Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans to advance the Homeland Security funding bill.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency that Democrats say needs reforms after incidents involving the use of force.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency that Democrats say needs reforms after incidents involving the use of force.

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What they’re saying

“Senate Democrats on Thursday defeated a motion to proceed to a House-passed bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the 27-day shutdown that has hampered the functions of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other critical agencies.”

— The Hill (thegatewaypundit.com)

What’s next

The Senate will likely continue to debate and negotiate the Homeland Security funding bill, with Democrats and Republicans seeking to find a compromise that addresses concerns over ICE and CBP.

The takeaway

The ongoing political impasse over Homeland Security funding highlights the deep partisan divisions in Congress and the challenges in addressing complex issues related to immigration enforcement and national security.