Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — March 27
Mar 27, 2026
Adam Smith, Ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, weighs in on DHS funding, immigration enforcement, and congressional votes. Ryan Nobles, NBC Capitol Hill correspondent, breaks down the Senate-House dynamics and political maneuvering around funding fights. They discuss airport chaos, legal moves to fund TSA, and the ripple effects of the Iran war on markets and oil.
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Shutdown Stalemate Driven By House-Senate Split
- The shutdown persists because House and Senate can't agree on a path that secures both TSA funding and immigration enforcement changes.
- Ryan Nobles reports Senate passed a partial DHS bill excluding ICE/CBP, but House conservatives rejected it, creating a likely prolonged stalemate.
Airport Stories Show Human Cost Of Shutdown
- Airports report severe operational impacts: TSA callouts exceeded 30% at five airports and many officers have quit or resigned.
- Ryan and Aaron Gilchrist relay travelers facing four-hour lines and officers selling plasma or leaving jobs.
White House Will Try To Pay TSA Unilaterally
- The White House plans to use unspent discretionary funds to pay TSA workers via a presidential memorandum starting as soon as Monday.
- Monica Alba notes this mirrors past administration moves but doesn't resolve FEMA, Coast Guard, visa processing, or other DHS funding gaps.