U.S. Department of Homeland Security "Shutdown" Enters the Third Week

Since the U.S. White House and Congress Democrats have not reached an agreement on the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, the DHS “shutdown” will enter its third week. According to U.S. media reports, the White House on the evening of the 26th proposed a new funding plan for the Department of Homeland Security to Congress. Spokespersons for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated in a joint release on the 27th that they have received a new proposal from the White House to end the DHS shutdown and are reviewing it carefully. “Democrats remain committed to pushing for real reforms to rein in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to stop violence.” The report states that Congress is expected to take action on the funding bill as early as mid-next week.

Due to the ongoing shutdown, federal employees under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who are unpaid are facing financial pressures. Air traffic controllers and airport security personnel are taking more sick leave and absences, which could lead to flight delays and cancellations. A TSA union official quoted in the report said many employees are already facing financial difficulties.

Because the bipartisan deadlock over immigration enforcement reform has caused temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security to expire on the 13th of this month, the DHS began partial “shutdown” on the 14th. However, employees of agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, TSA, and the Secret Service are considered “essential personnel” and are required to continue working without pay. (Xinhua)