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The president said both sides are talking, but just hours away from the deadline, there’s no deal in place and no path to preventing *** shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, and officials say this could impact everything from airports to disaster response to cyber defense. Unlike past shutdowns, this will only hit the Department of Homeland Security. That means FEMA disaster workers, airport security, and Coast Guard crews show up to work, but they won’t get paid. However, immigration officers and border patrol agents who are at the center of this funding fight will still get paid due to money from the Republican tax cut package passed last year. So what does it all mean for you if you’re flying, Security stays open, but you could potentially see longer lines at some point. During the last shutdown, more than 1000 TSA officers left the agency, and they’re still trying to recover from that. Cybersecurity could also take *** hit. The agency that helps states defend against hackers would scale back most operations, focusing only on immediate threats. FEMA would still respond to major disasters, but officials say coordination and recovery work could slow down, and the Coast Guard says any missions not tied to national security or saving lives would stop. All told, DHS leaders told lawmakers this week the shutdown would put pressure on the nation’s security. I want to be clear, when the government shuts down, cyber threats do not, and our adversaries work 24/7. Even *** brief lapse can have lasting consequences on small businesses. Federal networks and American taxpayers. DHS and TSA were created on the heels of 9/11 to help the United States stay *** step ahead of terrorists and bad actors. *** lack of funding and predictability of resourcing will pose significant challenges to our ability to deliver transportation security. Lawmakers are not scheduled to return to DC until 10 days from now, which means DHS could remain shut down until then. However, party leaders say if *** deal is in place, lawmakers could get called back early. On Capitol Hill, I’m Christopher Sales.
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DHS shutdown starts at midnight; here’s how it could affect you
The Department of Homeland Security is set to shut down at midnight, affecting various operations, as lawmakers fail to reach a funding agreement.
Lawmakers have left Washington without a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, triggering a midnight ET shutdown that could affect airport operations, disaster response, and cybersecurity.President Donald Trump said talks are continuing, but with hours to go, there’s no agreement and no clear path to avert the shutdown.Officials warn the lapse could disrupt airports, disaster response, and cyber defenses.Ha Nguyen McNeill, acting administrator of the TSA, said, “DHS and TSA were created on the heels of 9/11 to help the United States stay a step ahead of terrorists and bad actors. A lack of funding and predictability of resourcing will pose significant challenges to our ability to deliver transportation security.” Unlike past shutdowns, this one affects only the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA disaster workers, airport security personnel, and U.S. Coast Guard crews will continue to work without pay. Immigration officers and Border Patrol agents, central to the funding dispute, will still be paid using carryover funds from last year’s tax law.Airport security will remain operational, but expect longer lines. During the last shutdown, more than 1,000 TSA officers left the agency, and it is still recovering. Cybersecurity could also take a hit, as the agency that helps states defend against hackers would scale back most operations to focus on immediate threats. FEMA will still respond to major disasters, but officials say coordination and recovery could slow.The Coast Guard says missions not tied to national security or saving lives will stop. DHS leaders told lawmakers earlier this week that a shutdown puts pressure on national security. Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala, acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said, “I want to be clear. When the government shuts down, cyber threats do not. And our adversaries work 24/7. Even a brief lapse can have lasting consequences on small businesses, federal networks, and American taxpayers.” The House and Senate are not scheduled to return until Feb. 23, making a shutdown of at least 10 days likely. Party leaders say members could be called back sooner if a deal is reached. Democrats say they won’t support new DHS funding without added limits on immigration enforcement after two deadly shootings in Minneapolis. The White House and Democrats have been negotiating but have not bridged the gap, with Democrats most recently rejecting a White House proposal they said didn’t go far enough. Both sides are holding their ground, and leaders are still discussing a short-term extension, but there is no deal. For more coverage on the DHS shutdown:
Lawmakers have left Washington without a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, triggering a midnight ET shutdown that could affect airport operations, disaster response, and cybersecurity.
President Donald Trump said talks are continuing, but with hours to go, there’s no agreement and no clear path to avert the shutdown.
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Officials warn the lapse could disrupt airports, disaster response, and cyber defenses.
Ha Nguyen McNeill, acting administrator of the TSA, said, “DHS and TSA were created on the heels of 9/11 to help the United States stay a step ahead of terrorists and bad actors. A lack of funding and predictability of resourcing will pose significant challenges to our ability to deliver transportation security.”
Unlike past shutdowns, this one affects only the Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA disaster workers, airport security personnel, and U.S. Coast Guard crews will continue to work without pay. Immigration officers and Border Patrol agents, central to the funding dispute, will still be paid using carryover funds from last year’s tax law.
Airport security will remain operational, but expect longer lines. During the last shutdown, more than 1,000 TSA officers left the agency, and it is still recovering. Cybersecurity could also take a hit, as the agency that helps states defend against hackers would scale back most operations to focus on immediate threats.
FEMA will still respond to major disasters, but officials say coordination and recovery could slow.
The Coast Guard says missions not tied to national security or saving lives will stop.
DHS leaders told lawmakers earlier this week that a shutdown puts pressure on national security. Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala, acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said, “I want to be clear. When the government shuts down, cyber threats do not. And our adversaries work 24/7. Even a brief lapse can have lasting consequences on small businesses, federal networks, and American taxpayers.”
The House and Senate are not scheduled to return until Feb. 23, making a shutdown of at least 10 days likely. Party leaders say members could be called back sooner if a deal is reached.
Democrats say they won’t support new DHS funding without added limits on immigration enforcement after two deadly shootings in Minneapolis. The White House and Democrats have been negotiating but have not bridged the gap, with Democrats most recently rejecting a White House proposal they said didn’t go far enough. Both sides are holding their ground, and leaders are still discussing a short-term extension, but there is no deal.
For more coverage on the DHS shutdown:
