Republicans Pressure Democrats Over DHS Shutdown

Shutdown creates long airport lines for spring break travelers

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:53pm

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Republicans are putting pressure on Democrat lawmakers over the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which is creating long lines at airports for spring break travelers. The White House press secretary has called on Americans to contact their Democratic representatives and demand they fund the DHS, while the Senate Majority Leader has noted the shutdown is impacting critical functions like cybersecurity, Border Patrol, TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown is causing significant disruptions for travelers, with major airports advising passengers to arrive hours earlier than normal due to TSA staffing shortages. This political standoff between Republicans and Democrats is having real-world impacts on the public, raising concerns about public safety and the economy during a busy travel season.

The details

The DHS shutdown began in February after funding ran out. Republicans are now ramping up pressure on Democrats, with the White House press secretary urging Americans to contact their Democratic representatives and demand they fund the DHS. The Senate Majority Leader has also criticized Democrats, noting the shutdown is impacting critical government functions.

  • The DHS shutdown began in February 2026 after funding ran out.
  • The White House press secretary made her comments on March 10, 2026.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

White House press secretary.

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader (R-SD).

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What they’re saying

“President Trump wants the Department of Homeland Security, he wants TSA, he wants FEMA, he wants the brave men and women of our United States Coast Guard to receive their paychecks, and he wants this department to be fully funded, and fully reopened.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

“We are 25 days in Democrats' DHS shutdown, and now they don't even want to sit down and have negotiations. This shutdown is impacting important functions like cybersecurity, Border Patrol, TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA, which are all more important than ever in these dangerous times.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

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 political standoff between Republicans and Democrats over the DHS shutdown is having real-world impacts on the public, with travelers facing long lines and delays at major airports. The situation highlights the need for bipartisan cooperation to ensure critical government functions are maintained, even during periods of political gridlock.