Policy Update: 3/17/2026
Sasha@iaje.us
DHS Funding Shutdown:
What’s happening:
DHS has been in a shutdown for about three weeks, meaning Congress has not passed the regular yearly funding bill (“appropriations”) for the department. Even so, parts of DHS still have access to significant money through a separate process called “reconciliation.”
Important Details:
What “shutdown” means here: DHS is not getting its normal yearly appropriations funding, but DHS operations do not automatically stop. Some operations continue through other funding streams, including reconciliation funds.
Funding Demands:
“Zero dollars for ICE or CBP through appropriations” means to stop Congress from adding fresh yearly funding for those agencies through the normal budget bill.
“Claw back reconciliation funding” means try to reverse or rescind money that was already allocated through reconciliation for enforcement.
Ending warrantless arrests.
Pressure is rising because TSA workers are going unpaid: With spring break approaching, long airport lines and public anxiety can push lawmakers toward a fast deal, even if that deal includes harmful enforcement policies.
Alternative funding proposals would isolate enforcement money: Democrats in both chambers introduced bills to fund non-immigration parts of DHS like TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard. The argument is that this would “starve” ICE and CBP of roughly $28 billion.
Explainer: This is a “split-the-agency” funding approach. It tries to keep disaster response and transportation security running while cutting off immigration enforcement dollars.
House discharge petition push: House Democrats are holding an event to build momentum for a discharge petition on that “fund the non-immigration parts” bill.
Explainer: A discharge petition is a House procedure that can force a vote even if leadership does not want to bring the bill to the floor, as long as enough Members sign on.
Congressional Action Items This Week:
SAVE Act (Senate vote expected this week)
*now last week, will update wednesday 03-26-26 on senate vote proceedings
What’s happening: The Senate is expected to vote this week, after extended debate. Advocates are using templates to email senators, and NILC has materials responding to questions about the SAVE database.
Expanded Deportation Authority Bills (House votes this week)
What’s happening: Two House bills would expand ICE’s deportation authority by adding new grounds that make people deportable (“removability grounds”).
Important Details:
H.R. 1958: fraud-related offenses, vote Wednesday
H.R. 4638: animal abuse-related offenses, vote Thursday
Explainer “new removability grounds”: Immigration law already lists reasons someone can be deported. These bills add new reasons, which can expand who is at risk and increase detention and deportation even for people with deep community ties.
Mark Wayne Mullen DHS Secretary confirmation hearing
What’s happening: The Senate is expected to hold a final confirmation vote Monday night on Trump’s nominee, Markwayne Mullin, to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin advanced out of committee last week following a confirmation hearing, and then cleared a key procedural vote Sunday with support from all Republicans present and two Democrats.
Resources:
Senate to take final vote Monday on Mullin’s DHS secretary appointment.
