Congress Returns to Address Iran War, DHS Shutdown, and Member Expulsions

Congress reconvenes this week amid escalating tensions over the war with Iran, a prolonged Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, and potential expulsion votes targeting several members of the House. Lawmakers face mounting pressure to address these critical issues after a two-week recess.

The conflict with Iran remains a central focus. President Donald Trump recently threatened that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not agree to a deal to end hostilities, followed by a fragile two-week ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance’s recent talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting agreement, and Trump announced a U.S. Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Democrats are pushing for votes to limit the president’s war powers, arguing that the ceasefire is insufficient. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, “We need a permanent end to Donald Trump’s costly and reckless war of choice,” and noted ongoing bipartisan discussions to secure enough votes to curb the president’s military authority. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “no president, Democrat or Republican, should take this country to war alone.”

The White House is expected to request supplemental funding for the conflict, reportedly between $80 billion and $100 billion, scaled back from an earlier $200 billion figure. However, the future of this funding remains uncertain amid growing Republican concerns about the war’s duration, particularly as the 60-day limit imposed by the 1973 War Powers Resolution approaches.

Meanwhile, the DHS has been shut down for a record 58 days due to funding disputes. While the Senate unanimously approved funding excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), House Republicans have pushed for a separate, party-line bill to fund these agencies. House Speaker Mike Johnson initially criticized the Senate plan but later agreed to fund DHS under the Senate’s approach while pursuing ICE and CBP funding through budget reconciliation—a process allowing passage without Democratic support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP leaders aim to advance this reconciliation bill by June 1. However, some House Republicans and the conservative House Freedom Caucus oppose partial funding, demanding full DHS funding through reconciliation.

In addition to these legislative challenges, Congress faces potential expulsion votes against multiple members amid serious allegations. Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California suspended his gubernatorial campaign after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct, allegations he denies. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida announced plans to force a vote to expel Swalwell. Democrats are expected to counter with a vote to expel Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide and faces further allegations of inappropriate conduct. Other members under scrutiny include Republican Rep. Cory Mills and Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, both from Florida, facing ethics investigations and allegations ranging from campaign finance violations to misuse of federal funds.

Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority in the House, a high threshold rarely met; only six members have been expelled in the chamber’s history, with the most recent being George Santos in 2023. Investigations by the House Ethics Committee typically precede such actions but are not mandatory.

Another legislative priority is the impending expiration of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) on April 20. This law permits warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad but has raised privacy concerns due to incidental collection of Americans’ data. Lawmakers are expected to debate its reauthorization and potential reforms.

As Congress returns, the agenda is packed with high-stakes decisions on war powers, homeland security funding, member accountability, and national security surveillance, all unfolding amid partisan divisions and public scrutiny.