Democrats Block DHS Funding After Terror Attacks

Senate Democrats refuse to approve Homeland Security budget amid security concerns

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:38pm

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Despite threats of terror attacks from Iran and incidents in Virginia and Michigan, Senate Democrats blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security for the fourth time. Republicans accused Democrats of putting politics ahead of public safety, as the lack of funding has led to hundreds of TSA workers quitting and airport delays.

Why it matters

The Democrats' refusal to approve DHS funding raises concerns about their priorities during a time of heightened security threats. The funding impasse could undermine the government's ability to respond effectively to potential terror attacks and maintain airport security.

The details

Senate Democrats used the cloture rule to block the DHS budget in a 51-46 vote, with some like Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., saying they won't approve funding until changes are made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy. Republicans, including Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., accused Democrats of prioritizing politics over public safety. The lack of funding has led to hundreds of TSA workers quitting and hours-long airport delays.

  • On Thursday, there were terror threats from Iran and attacks in Virginia and Michigan.
  • The Senate blocked DHS funding for the fourth time on Thursday.

The players

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei

The new supreme leader of Iran, who pledged to 'avenge the blood of our martyrs' and warned the Islamist regime would be 'opening other fronts'.

Sen. Peter Welch

A Democratic senator from Vermont who said 'We can't let Minneapolis happen again' after the vote to block DHS funding.

Sen. John Barrasso

A Republican senator from Wyoming who accused Democrats of 'preventing (TSA agents) from getting a paycheck' and 'putting politics ahead of public safety'.

Rep. Chris Pappas

The likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, who voted against the DHS funding bill in the House.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

A professor of military science and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom who was killed by a gunman in Norfolk, Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“We can't let Minneapolis happen again.”

— Sen. Peter Welch, Democratic senator from Vermont

“At a time when our homeland is under attack, all warning lights are flashing red, and they (Democrats) want to peel apart, piece by piece, the Department of Homeland Security, the comprehensive department of our government to protect the American people, because they want to stand with illegal immigrant criminals.”

— Sen. John Barrasso, Republican senator from Wyoming

What’s next

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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.