Lawmakers feud over DHS funding as partial government shutdown drags on

Senators reconvened Sunday to advance Markwayne Mullins' nomination as Department of Homeland Security secretary while simultaneously battling over DHS funding as a partial government shutdown continues. The dual-track effort reflects deep divisions within Congress over how to structure homeland security appropriations and the details of the SAVE America Act, which lawmakers are also debating. The shutdown's persistence signals that Republicans and Democrats remain at odds on key spending priorities, leaving DHS operations in limbo. With Mullins' confirmation hearing proceeding alongside funding disputes, the Senate faces pressure to either pass spending legislation or extend the shutdown further, affecting federal agencies and employees. The outcome will determine whether the Trump administration can secure its DHS leadership while maintaining operational continuity at the department.