Trending Now - DHS Funding Negotiations Progress Amid Agency Shutdown

WHO:

Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.

Sarah Labowitz, disaster researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

WHAT:

DHS is experiencing a shutdown that has lasted for nearly three weeks as of March 1, 2026.

Kristi Noem is accused of depleting disaster funds to pressure Congress to end the shutdown.

FEMA released $5 billion in disaster relief funds, leaving approximately $4 billion remaining.

Democrats anticipate an additional $1 billion in hazard-mitigation funds may be released, potentially reducing the Disaster Relief Fund to about $3 billion.

The White House sent a "serious" counteroffer to Democrats on February 26, 2026.

Democrats are pushing for reforms on the conduct of federal immigration agents.

WHERE:

United States

Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

DHS funding lapsed on January 30, 2026.

The DHS shutdown began in mid-January 2026 and has lasted nearly three weeks as of March 1, 2026.

The review process for hazard-mitigation grants was implemented in July 2025.

WHY:

Democrats believe Noem's actions are politically motivated to pressure them into ending the DHS shutdown.

The shutdown is affecting critical services, including disaster relief.

HOW:

FEMA has restricted travel for disaster response to save money during the shutdown.

The White House and Democratic leaders are engaged in ongoing negotiations to resolve the funding impasse.

The Department of Homeland Security is currently in a shutdown that has lasted nearly three weeks, with Secretary Kristi Noem facing accusations of depleting disaster funds to pressure Congress into resolving the situation. FEMA has released $5 billion in disaster relief funds, but with an anticipated additional $1 billion in hazard-mitigation funds, the remaining balance in the Disaster Relief Fund could drop to about $3 billion. As negotiations continue between the White House and Democratic leaders, critical services, including disaster relief, are being impacted by this ongoing funding impasse.