The Daily News

As of March 2026, the Department of Homeland Security is experiencing a record-setting partial government shutdown, now in its 44th day. The House passed a full-year funding bill, but Senate Democrats blocked it through a filibuster. A filibuster is a procedure used primarily in the United States Senate to delay or prevent a vote on legislation by extending debate or using other tactics. It effectively raises the threshold for passage to 60 votes (cloture), rather than a simple majority.

In contrast, the Senate later approved a partial funding measure that excluded funding and policy changes for ICE. However, House Republicans rejected this proposal, insisting on full funding for immigration enforcement and opposing any reforms to ICE. Both chambers have since left for a two-week recess without resolving funding for DHS.

Lawmakers gained temporary relief after Donald Trump announced plans to use executive authority to ensure DHS employees continue to be paid while Congress works toward a funding agreement through September 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Separately, the House passed the Defending American Property Abroad Act, introduced by August Pfluger. The bill would impose retaliatory measures against foreign governments that unlawfully seize American-owned assets, aiming to protect U.S. businesses from unjust expropriation.

The Senate also considered a measure directing the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress. This marks the second time in a month that a proposal of this nature has failed to advance.

In the House, lawmakers passed H.R. 8029 (218–206), the third attempt to fund DHS for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. However, the bill is no longer viable following Senate passage of an alternative funding measure.

Additionally, the House approved H.Res. 1128 (225–187), a nonbinding resolution expressing support for fully funding DHS. The resolution warns that partial funding would weaken coordination and create uncertainty during an already heightened threat environment.

The Senate rejected, by a vote of 48–50, a procedural motion to advance S.J.Res. 103, a Congressional Review Act resolution aimed at overturning a December 31, 2025 rule that rolled back a 2022 policy allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest, or risks to a veteran’s health.

The House also passed H.R. 5103 (218–206), which would establish a federal commission to oversee law enforcement coordination in Washington, D.C., along with a program focused on maintaining cleanliness in the city. The legislation largely builds on a March 2025 executive order and includes provisions encouraging stricter enforcement of federal immigration laws in the area.

Finally, the House passed H.R. 6422, reauthorizing several programs under the Environmental Protection Agency, including the Long Island Sound and Columbia River Basin restoration initiatives, the National Estuary Program, and the BEACH Act. These efforts aim to improve water quality and support ecosystem restoration nationwide.

Congress is in recess from March 30 through April 13 in observance of the Easter holiday and will return to regular legislative business on April 14. The next R&P update is expected on April 20.