The Powers That Be: Daily Washington’s Shutdown Déjà Vu
Feb 10, 2026
Abby Livingston, a national and Capitol Hill political reporter, breaks down the risk of a DHS funding standoff and why ICE oversight has become so fraught. She also walks through Michigan’s pivotal Senate primary, the three contenders and how the contest could reshape the fall battleground. Short, sharp takes on Washington brinkmanship and a make-or-break Senate fight.
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DHS-Only Shutdown Is Unstable
- A DHS-only shutdown is likely and more contained than past shutdowns but still politically dangerous.
- Abby Livingston warns shutdowns are easy to enter and hard to exit, with TSA as the key pressure point.
ICE Fights Ripple Through DHS
- DHS houses multiple agencies beyond ICE, so ICE fights implicate broader services and politics.
- That spread makes negotiations more complex and raises stakes for many constituencies.
Heightened Anger Raises Shutdown Risk
- Democrats' anger over recent shootings has increased willingness to use procedure to create friction.
- Abby notes even moderate Democrats feel intense and may prefer confrontation over quick CR extensions.