It is unclear whether Senate Democrats and Republicans will reach a deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security when they meet Thursday, March 12, the 27th day of the partial government shutdown.
The federal government partially shut down in February as Democrats refused to support funding for DHS without changes to immigration enforcement. The shutdown comes after two fatal shootings of Americans in Minneapolis by federal agents. Democrats want reforms to DHS’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics, such as barring agents from wearing masks, mandating body cameras, and requiring federal agents to obtain warrants to search homes.
The House has already passed a DHS funding bill, but multiple Senate votes on the measure have failed, with most Democrats opposed. The ongoing partial shutdown has led to hours-long security lines at some airports as TSA agents work without pay, and cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup have not received funds.
“Democrats now see government shutdowns as a handy tool to use anytime they don’t get everything they want. They don’t care if they force people to work without pay indefinitely or if they put our national security in jeopardy,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in a March 11 X post. “They only care about what’s in it for them.”
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-W.A., vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pushed the Senate to pass a modified bill that would partially fund the DHS, but still exclude ICE and the Office of the Secretary. Republicans blocked the bill.
“Democrats have offered legislation to fund TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA while we continue ICE negotiations. Republicans BLOCKED the funding. We must fund TSA, Coast Guard and FEMA TODAY,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on social media.
Here’s what to know about when the Senate votes next and when the shutdown might end.
Does the Senate vote on the shutdown today?
The Senate convenes at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, and the funding bill is listed on the daily calendar.
When will the government shutdown end?
It is unclear when the partial government shutdown will end. The bill needs 60 votes to pass, a threshold the Senate has failed to reach three times.
The last vote, on March 5, failed 51-45. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the only Democrat to vote for it.
With the House of Representatives slated to be out for the rest of the week while Republicans are at their annual policy retreat in Florida, it is unlikely that an official end to the shutdown will come soon.
Who is affected by DHS funding lapse?
Around 50,000 TSA agents at major airports are working without pay or receiving partial pay as “essential” workers amid the DHS funding lapse. With spring break travel underway, TSA PreCheck wait times have surged, with travelers waiting hours at airports, including major hubs in Houston, North Carolina, and New Orleans.
FEMA disaster relief funds for states have also dwindled, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said live on the Senate floor last week. These funds are also meant to help support the World Cup hosting cities, many of which are scrambling without the payments.
ICE, Border Patrol, and most of the Coast Guard, however, remain fully funded due to Trump’s signature $170 billion One Big Beautiful Bill.
Global Entry, the expedited border entry process for pre-screened, trusted travelers, was initially suspended by DHS, with the agency saying it was meant to conserve its personnel and resources amid the funding lapse. It was reinstated on March 11.
Contributing: Zachary Schermele, Zach Wichter. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Is the DHS still shut down? Will Senate vote on 2026 partial shutdown?
Reporting by Bailey Allen and Margie Cullen, USA TODAY NETWORK – New England / Cape Cod Times.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect