Handful of Democrats Join House GOP To End DHS Shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and end a weeks-long partial government shutdown, approving the measure in a 221–207 vote largely along party lines. The legislation would fund DHS operations through the end of the fiscal year, restoring programs affected by the shutdown, including some training and federal grant activities. While most Democrats opposed the bill, four Democrats—Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, Jared Golden, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez—joined Republicans in supporting it. The shutdown began on February 14 after temporary funding expired, forcing several agencies to scale back operations. However, essential personnel from agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continued working without pay, while some staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were furloughed. Despite the House vote, the proposal faces uncertainty because the U.S. Senate earlier rejected a similar measure in a 51–45 procedural vote, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance it, with Sen. John Fetterman the only Democrat supporting Republicans.

Supporters argue the bill is necessary to restore full funding for border security, cybersecurity operations, and emergency preparedness programs, especially during heightened security concerns. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole emphasized that funding the department is critical to protect the country, warning that the shutdown harms frontline workers such as TSA agents, FEMA responders, and CISA cybersecurity analysts. House Speaker Mike Johnson also criticized lawmakers who oppose the funding, calling it irresponsible to block resources for national security. However, Democrats strongly disagreed, arguing the measure does not address concerns about immigration enforcement policies, particularly operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democratic appropriator, called the legislation “political theater” and accused Republicans of using the shutdown to push more funding for enforcement agencies without reform. The dispute reflects a broader Congressional battle over immigration policy and federal enforcement, leaving negotiations ongoing as lawmakers attempt to resolve the shutdown and pass a final funding agreement.