DHS shutdown set to stretch on with Congress on 2-week break

House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed solution to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown late last week, ensuring the agency closure will continue through Congress's upcoming two-week recess. The impasse leaves DHS operations suspended during a period when lawmakers will be away from Washington, preventing negotiation or legislative action to resolve the standoff. The shutdown affects the department's approximately 240,000 employees and disrupts critical functions including border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response. Congressional gridlock over the funding disagreement has prevented passage of a measure that the Senate had already approved, leaving the resolution in limbo until lawmakers return. The extended shutdown intensifies pressure on both chambers to reach a compromise once Congress reconvenes.