March 2026 – As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown continues, senators from both parties are pointing fingers over who is responsible for the ongoing deadlock that has left DHS workers without pay for weeks. The shutdown, which began on February 14, has led to frustration across the nation, as critical agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FEMA remain unfunded, while Congress struggles to agree on the path forward.
Democrats Defend Their Stance on DHS Funding
During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., was pressed on whether the Democratic Party should take action to end the shutdown, given the looming security concerns. Schiff strongly deflected responsibility, claiming that Democrats had repeatedly attempted to separate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding from the rest of the DHS budget in an effort to fund other critical agencies.
“We offered vote after vote, resolution after resolution—even as recently as this week—to reopen those agencies, to fund them, and the Republicans voted it down,” Schiff stated. He went on to emphasize that the Republicans, who control both houses of Congress and the presidency, were responsible for the impasse and could not fairly blame the minority party for the deadlock.
Schiff’s argument highlighted the Democratic proposal to “wall off ICE funding” and focus on funding the other departments, like TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA, but Republicans refused to support these measures.
Booker: ‘No Dollar for ICE Until Accountability’
Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., echoed Schiff’s position when questioned by CNN’s Jake Tapper. Booker reiterated that while Democrats were committed to funding vital agencies, they would not approve additional funding for ICE, accusing the agency of continuing to engage in what he described as “reckless actions.”
“We should be funding those TSA agents that keep us safe, CISA, Coast Guard,” Booker said, referencing other agencies at the center of the funding debate. “But for Republicans to refuse to do it is unacceptable.”
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also weighed in on the matter, calling on Republicans to stop blocking Democratic efforts to fund the rest of DHS while negotiating over ICE and Customs and Border Patrol.
Republicans Push Back: ICE Funding Already Allocated
On the other side of the aisle, Republicans have been vocal in criticizing the Democrats for holding up a broader DHS funding package over ICE. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, dismissed the Democratic stance, accusing them of hypocrisy. Cornyn pointed out that ICE had already received funding allocations in the previous year’s budget under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, and said that Democrats were hurting the public by withholding funding for essential agencies like TSA.
“The only thing they’re doing is hurting the air-traveling public through TSA. They’re hurting them and not accomplishing what they’re saying they’re trying to accomplish. It’s shameful,” Cornyn remarked.
The Stalemate and Growing Frustration
The gridlock over ICE funding has left many critical national security agencies in limbo, with some lawmakers accusing their counterparts of using the issue to score political points rather than focusing on governance. Democrats argue that the impasse over ICE is unnecessary, while Republicans insist that ICE funding should not be held hostage in negotiations.
The Bigger Picture: National Security and Airline Industry Concerns
Amid the partisan debate, national security concerns continue to grow. Terrorist threats have been raised in light of the shutdown, and CEOs from major airlines and cargo carriers have written to Congress urging an end to the funding stalemate. Their letter highlighted the importance of maintaining security in U.S. airways, which have been impacted by TSA staff shortages due to the shutdown.
At the heart of the dispute is the question of national security versus immigration policy, as both sides struggle to find common ground on a budget that reflects their priorities.
