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Posts tagged as “GOP”

DHS Shutdown Hits Record Length as GOP Divisions Deepen and Trump Stays Silent

The Department of Homeland Security is undergoing the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history due to deep Republican divisions and unclear White House guidance, with Senate and House leaders unable to agree on funding measures. The shutdown has caused operational disruptions at airports and intensified partisan blame, while some Republicans and former President Trump have called for ending the filibuster to pass funding without Democratic support. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East escalate as President Trump threatens severe actions against Iran amid stalled peace talks, raising concerns about further military conflict and global economic impacts.

DHS Shutdown Hits Record 44 Days, TSA Struggles with Staffing Crisis

The partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has lasted 44 days, primarily affecting TSA operations while other federal agencies remain funded. Efforts to resolve the impasse have stalled due to disagreements between the Republican-controlled House and the Senate, with Democrats demanding immigration-related restrictions before fully funding DHS. The shutdown has caused significant TSA staffing shortages and financial strain, prompting President Trump to order payments to TSA workers, but with Congress out until mid-April, the situation and airport disruptions are expected to continue.

House Ethics Committee Finds Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Guilty of Pandemic Relief Fund Misuse

The House Ethics Committee found Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 ethics violations related to the misuse of $5 million in federal pandemic relief funds, following a rare public hearing and a three-year investigation. Despite her denial of wrongdoing and ongoing federal criminal charges, the committee plans to hold a disciplinary hearing after the House’s spring recess, with potential sanctions ranging from censure to expulsion. House Republicans have strongly pushed for her removal, signaling a contentious battle over her future in Congress.

Senate Passes Partial DHS Funding Bill Excluding ICE, Deepening Shutdown Standoff

The Senate approved a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection, continuing a partial government shutdown centered on immigration enforcement funding. The bill aims to restore funding for key agencies like TSA and FEMA amid operational challenges, including TSA staffing shortages and long airport security lines, prompting President Trump to order emergency payments for TSA workers. While Democrats praised the bill for excluding immigration enforcement funding without reforms, House Republican leaders criticized it and have yet to commit to advancing the measure, leaving the shutdown unresolved.

Trump to Restart TSA Pay by Executive Order as DHS Funding Standoff Drags On

President Donald Trump announced he will sign an executive order to restart pay for TSA officers amid a DHS funding lapse that has caused staffing shortages and airport delays. The shutdown results from a congressional deadlock over DHS funding, with Republicans proposing a bill excluding ICE enforcement and Democrats demanding reforms before agreeing to fund ICE operations. In response, Senator John Kennedy plans to introduce a bill to fund the TSA independently, though it is unclear if Senate GOP leadership will support this measure.

Senate Deadlock Extends DHS Shutdown as Airport Chaos Worsens

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has entered its 41st day, causing severe delays at TSA checkpoints and increasing pressure on Senate lawmakers to reach a funding agreement before their upcoming recess. Negotiations remain deadlocked over funding and reform of ICE, with Republicans opposing Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms and Democrats insisting on them as part of any DHS funding deal. Meanwhile, internal GOP divisions and calls from former President Trump to end the filibuster complicate efforts to pass a resolution, leaving the shutdown unresolved as the Senate prepares for another vote.