WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Why Congress Failed, Again, to End the Shutdown of Homeland Security
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Mar 27, 2026 Barton Swaim, Wall Street Journal columnist and political analyst, and Kim Strassel, WSJ politics and regulatory columnist, dissect the DHS funding standoff. They debate late‑night Senate plans, House objections to partial funding, impacts on TSA and cybersecurity, and how political maneuvering clashes with public frustration. Short takes on enforcement, oversight and negotiation dynamics.
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Senate Bill Funds Most DHS But Cuts Immigration Units
- Senate passed a bill funding much of DHS while excluding major ICE and CBP funding, producing a split between chambers.
- Kim Strassel notes Democrats effectively vetoed parts of DHS funding, angering House Republicans who see a dangerous precedent.
Democrats Kept Raising Demands Beyond Administration Offers
- Democrats expanded demands during negotiations despite multiple administration offers to adopt reforms like body cameras and visible IDs.
- Kyle Peterson and Kim emphasize letters from Schumer/Jeffries versus Tom Homan's offers showing overlap yet continued stalling.
Key Demands Include Mask Bans And Codified Warrant Rules
- Expanded Democratic asks included bans on masks, limits on courthouse enforcement, and codified warrant rules that Republicans call non-starters.
- Kim highlights proposals and counterproposals, including possible concessions like doxing penalties that Democrats rejected.