Congress ended a record 76-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security that began February 14, approving funding that replenishes FEMA's disaster fund with over $26 billion while leaving immigration enforcement operations unfunded. The impasse centered on Democratic demands for reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol following fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, while House Republicans separately passed a budget resolution allocating $70 billion for immigration enforcement on a 215-211 party-line vote. Congress also approved a short-term extension of a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provision through June 12, passing the House 261-111 and the Senate by unanimous consent despite ongoing concerns about warrantless collection of Americans' communications. Meanwhile, the Trump administration sought a $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027 and launched a global diplomatic initiative for a maritime freedom construct to counter Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz as oil prices surged past $126 per barrel.
End of the Department of Homeland Security shutdown
- ▪The Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill replenishes FEMA's disaster fund with over $26 billion
- ▪The Department of Homeland Security had been without routine funds since February 14
- ▪House Republicans adopted a budget resolution on a largely party-line vote of 215-211 focused on providing $70 billion for immigration enforcement and deportations
Congressional surveillance program extension debate
- ▪The House passed the surveillance program extension by a vote of 261-111
- ▪Congress approved a short-term extension of a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provision through June 12
Defense budget and Iran war oversight hearings
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the 60-day legal limit for the war with Iran is on pause during the ceasefire
- ▪The Trump administration is seeking a $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027
Strait of Hormuz crisis and oil market impact
- ▪The price of Brent crude oil briefly surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday
Perspective of House Republicans
- ▪House Republicans focused their budget resolution on allocating $70 billion specifically for immigration enforcement and deportation operations
- ▪House Republicans passed their budget resolution with minimal Democratic support on a 215-211 vote
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