DHS Shutdown Drags On as Noem Ouster, Voting Bill Push, Iran Complicate Talks

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is still shut down, with the ousting of Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary, President Trump’s backing of a voting reform bill, and the conflict in Iran all throwing new wrinkles into the funding fight. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) called Noem’s departure a “major step” that could lead to a deal. 

“There’s a lot of talks happening,” said a Senate source familiar with the negotiations. “The moderates could be the off-ramp again.” 

Democratic senators are cautious but hopeful for constructive dialogue with President Trump’s nominee to replace Noem, Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin. 

“This is going to give us an opportunity to have real discussion about what’s going on with the Department of Homeland Security,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). “We’re going to have an opportunity to speak with Sen. Mullin and go to the heart of some of these questions that I think are troubling.”

Senator Mullin meanwhile has offered to sit down with Senate Democratic leadership to hear their concerns about immigration enforcement policies.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hopes to hold a confirmation hearing on March 18.  

SAVE Act and Iran Add More Complications

Adding a new twist is President Trump. He said he would not sign any additional laws until the Senate approves the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, a controversial voting reform bill that would require proof of citizenship and a government ID to vote. 

“It will guarantee the midterms,” the president told House Republicans gathered at his Florida resort for their annual retreat. “If you don’t get it, big trouble, my opinion.”

And Senate Democrats are threatening to hold up all business on the Senate floor unless Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other administration officials testify under oath about the administration’s plans for Iran. 

“We have collectively agreed that we’re going to use the levers that we have,” said Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). “We should be having hearings on the biggest military engagement since the war in Afghanistan.”

Airport Delays Mount

The latest developments come amid pressure to end the shutdown and get DHS subcomponents like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Coast Guard fully funded. 

With spring break in full swing, major airports are reporting significant delays at security checkpoints including Houston’s Hobby Airport and Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. Those airports reported security wait times of up to four hours over the weekend.  

TSA advised passengers to arrive as early as possible for their flights. 

"As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly," said a TSA spokesperson.