DHS Shutdown Drags On as Congress Leaves Town; Democrats Call for 4.1 Percent Federal Worker Raise

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in the midst of another shutdown as funding expired on Friday, February 13. Essential employees are reporting to work without pay. Non-essential employees face furloughs. About 90 percent of the Department’s workforce is deemed essential. 

However, there’s no quick end in sight with Congress scheduled to be out of town until Monday, February 23. 

Both Republicans and Democrats are showing no signs of compromising their positions as they traded counterproposals in the run up to the shutdown. Democrats are demanding changes to immigration enforcement policy following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minnesota. Demands include that officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, display unique ID numbers, and tighten warrant requirements. 

"These are common-sense proposals, they're supported by the American people," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).  "Why won't the Republicans go for them? They don't give any good answers. It's something that every police department does across the country, but ICE is rogue, out of control."

Republicans meanwhile say they’ve already extended the olive branch agreeing to a deal that included funding for body cameras and de-escalation measures. They also point out that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are operating normally after funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 

“Right now, ICE is operating on no imposed constraints by Congress,” said a GOP senate aide. “I don’t know why Democrats would want that to continue on because what we’ve offered is far better than what the status quo is.”

Should any kind of progress be made while on break, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) says he can get members back within 24 hours for votes. 

DHS is the only appropriations bill that was not fully funded through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2026 on September 30. 

FAIR Act Introduced

Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress once again introduced legislation calling for a higher raise for federal employees.

The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act calls for employees to receive a 4.1 percent raise in 2027. That combines a 3.1 percent across the board raise with an average one percent locality pay adjustment. Federal employees received a one percent raise in 2026– the smallest increase since 2021. 

“Our bill boosts wages to keep public service jobs competitive with those in the private sector and maintain a strong and talented federal workforce,” said Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) who noted that federal salaries continue to lag the private sector. 

The FAIR Act has been introduced each year for more than a decade to set a benchmark ahead of spring budget negotiations.