Trending Now - Unions Demand Resolution as DHS Shutdown Continues Amid Blame Game
WHO:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated, "They are holding all these agencies of government hostage, including TSA, including the cyber office."
National Treasury Employees Union President Doreen Greenwald said, "These frontline employees have had to wonder whether they’ll be able to pay their mortgage or buy groceries."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
President Trump
National Treasury Employees Union President Doreen Greenwald
Craig Carter, national president of the Federal Managers Association
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Tens of thousands of federal employees across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
WHAT:
The DHS shutdown has now lasted for 32 days as of March 18th, 2026.
Hundreds of TSA employees have reportedly quit their jobs due to the shutdown.
The Trump administration offered to raise spending on body-worn cameras to $100 million.
Roughly 120,000 DHS employees, including 50,000 TSA agents, are going without pay.
The DHS shutdown has lasted for 32 days as of March 18th, 2026.
Over 260,000 DHS personnel are affected, with tens of thousands working without pay.
TSA agents are experiencing massive disruptions and long wait times at airports.
The White House has made five key concessions to congressional Democrats regarding immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration offered to limit immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, including hospitals and schools.
The Senate voted on March 17th, 2026, to open debate on the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.
The SAVE America Act is part of President Trump’s legislative agenda.
WHERE:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has refused to play a video from the Trump administration blaming Democrats for delays caused by the shutdown.
Airports nationwide, including William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas.
Locations of DHS operations, including hospitals and schools.
WHEN:
The first missed paycheck for DHS employees occurred on March 13th, 2026.
The DHS shutdown began on February 14th, 2026.
The Senate voted on the SAVE America Act on March 17th, 2026.
The first missed paycheck for DHS employees occurred on March 13th, 2026.
WHY:
Democrats are seeking substantial restrictions on federal immigration enforcement as a condition for approving funding.
The shutdown is due to a funding battle between congressional Democrats and Republicans over DHS funding and immigration enforcement reforms.
Democrats are demanding new restrictions on DHS immigration enforcement operations before agreeing to a spending deal.
HOW:
The White House revealed five key concessions to congressional Democrats, including expanding the use of body-worn cameras for DHS agents.
The White House has proposed compromises, including expanding the use of body-worn cameras for DHS agents and ensuring U.S. citizens are not deported.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to file cloture to end discussions on the SAVE America Act, requiring 60 votes to advance the bill.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 11:15 UTC)
The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has now reached 32 days, leaving roughly 120,000 employees, including 50,000 TSA agents, without pay and prompting hundreds of TSA workers to quit their jobs. Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the situation, stating that agencies like the TSA are being held hostage, while National Treasury Employees Union President Doreen Greenwald expressed concern for frontline workers struggling to make ends meet. In an effort to negotiate, the Trump administration has proposed raising spending on body-worn cameras to $100 million, while Democrats are pushing for significant restrictions on federal immigration enforcement as a condition for funding approval.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 05:30 UTC)
Today marks the 32nd day of the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which began on February 14, affecting over 260,000 personnel, with many working without pay and causing significant disruptions at airports nationwide. In response to the funding battle between Democrats and Republicans, the White House has made five key concessions regarding immigration enforcement, including limiting operations at sensitive locations like hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, the Senate voted yesterday to open debate on the SAVE America Act, part of Trump’s legislative agenda, which requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune prepares to file cloture to advance the bill.