Technically… It’s a partial shutdown.
According to the Washington Post, Democrats objected to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a response to the fatal shootings in Minnesota involving ICE agents. Republicans want to extend a $1.2 trillion package to fund the DHS. To put into perspective, that’s 3% of our national DEBT.
On February 22, 2026, the DHS put out a press release explaining the effects of the partial shutdown. The following measures were taken:
- Halting all non-essential Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response efforts in cases of disaster. FEMA is federal intervention to respond and mitigate disasters. This affects all Americans who are impacted by natural disasters or man-made incidents.
- Ending Customs and Border Patrol Services. Including Global Entry. In simple words, make sure you get to the airport even earlier. 40 major airports across the U.S. have experienced hours-long TSA lines. With our very own John F. Kennedy airport being at the top of the list.
- Suspending family escorts for members of the congress. Which I’m sure is a necessity right now.
Our country is divided more than ever right now. With both sides fighting over their beliefs, Americans like you and me are the ones being truly affected.
“It makes travel very difficult and unpredictable.” – Mrs. McMullan
“Politics is stupid. I think we should focus more on internal issues and not foreign affairs. Such as housing and homeless veterans should be prioritized. All of the reasons above should stay, however, foreign issues such as Israel and Palestine should be put after.“ – Michael Gaudio
“I think that the U.S. government should put in more effort in handling these types of situations. I agree with Micheal that we should prioritize domestic issues. I mean it’s called the ‘U.S. Government’ for a reason”- Senior Tara Gyaltsen
