CNN Inside Politics From Optimism to Reality
Mar 25, 2026
Lauren, a Capitol Hill reporter explaining the DHS shutdown stalemate; Gabe Cohen, reporting on ICE, federal election law, and voting-rights risks; and Senator Cory Booker, discussing the Iran war and his policy plans. They cover TSA workers’ hardships, why negotiations stalled over ICE reforms, legal limits on federal officers at polling places, and rising tensions with U.S. troop movements to the Middle East.
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DHS Shutdown Causes Human And Security Strain
- The DHS shutdown is causing severe operational and personal crises across agencies, notably TSA agents working without pay facing evictions and selling plasma.
- Acting DHS officials testified about repossessed cars, drained savings, sleeping in cars, and missed bill payments among staff, worsening national security risks.
ICE Reform Demand Stalls Funding Deal
- Negotiations stalled because Democrats rejected the GOP offer over additional ICE reforms while Republicans refuse changes without full ICE funding.
- The impasse reflects bargaining over ICE restraints like warrants and identification that weren't in the Republican proposal.
Trump's Position Shapes Capitol Calculus
- President Trump remained a wildcard whose public stance influences negotiations; he posted blaming Democrats and floated calling the National Guard.
- White House pitched trading TSA relief for later passage of the Save America Act but the president was not persuaded, slowing compromise.
