Lawmakers Struggle to Resolve Homeland Security Funding Lapse

Partisan divide stalls efforts to restore funding for key agencies amid heightened security concerns

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:18am

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Lawmakers in Washington appear far from resolving a funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security, even as the president's nominee to lead the department, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, pleaded with colleagues to end the impasse. Democrats have refused to fund certain DHS agencies, citing a need for accountability after recent deaths, while Republicans argue the department must be fully operational during heightened security threats.

Why it matters

The ongoing DHS funding dispute highlights the partisan gridlock in Congress, with Democrats seeking reforms and Republicans pushing for a full restoration of funding. The stalemate is causing disruptions, with the Transportation Security Administration warning of worsening delays at some airports as more unpaid screeners call out or quit.

The details

House Democrats are circulating a petition that would force a vote on a bill from Rep. Rosa DeLauro to fund the TSA and other DHS agencies, but not Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, or the office of the secretary. Republicans argue this piecemeal approach is unacceptable, saying Homeland Security must be fully operational. Meanwhile, the White House has offered some concessions on immigration enforcement, but Democrats say the changes don't go far enough.

  • The DHS funding lapse entered Day 33 on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.
  • Democrats recently used a discharge petition to force a vote on the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

Republican senator from Oklahoma and President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Rosa DeLauro

Democratic representative from Connecticut who has introduced a bill to fund the TSA and other DHS agencies, but not ICE, CBP, or the secretary's office.

Hakeem Jeffries

Democratic leader in the House of Representatives.

Steve Scalise

Republican House Majority Leader from Louisiana.

Chuck Schumer

Democratic Senate Majority Leader.

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What they’re saying

“We have to realize that we're putting our homeland and the peace of mind at risk for the American people.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Republican senator and DHS nominee

“Discharge petitions are difficult, some say impossible. But for us, difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader

“It was created in the wake of 9/11. Democrats are acting like it's September 10th, before 9/11 happened.”

— Steve Scalise, Republican House Majority Leader

“The White House is still refusing to engage on some of the most pressing demands Democrats have called for since day one.”

— Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senate Majority Leader

“ICE, is 'an unaccountable paramilitary force wreaking havoc on the streets of our country.”

— Raphael Warnock, Democratic senator from Georgia

What’s next

If Democrats are able to gather enough signatures on the discharge petition, it would force a vote on Rep. DeLauro's bill to fund parts of DHS. However, the bill would still face an uphill battle in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to advance any spending measure.

The takeaway

The ongoing DHS funding dispute highlights the deep partisan divisions in Congress, with Democrats seeking reforms and Republicans pushing for a full restoration of funding. The stalemate is causing real-world disruptions, underscoring the need for lawmakers to find a compromise that addresses both security concerns and calls for accountability.