Representative Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) has a clear message about the partial government shutdown: Democrats caused it, and Americans will suffer for it.
"Democrats have recklessly blocked funding again," Rep. De La Cruz wrote on X, pointing fingers at Senate Democrats for what she calls "just another political game."
The shutdown, which began on February 14, followed Democrats and the White House's failure to reach a budget agreement.
At the center of the standoff is a dispute over immigration oversight. Democrats say they won't fund DHS without stronger guardrails on federal immigration agents, while Republicans argue that tying funding to those conditions puts public safety at risk.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) demanded added oversight guardrails on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before his caucus would sign off on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding.
Additionally, De La Cruz warned that the shutdown has real consequences for Americans, including unpaid TSA workers, the Coast Guard being limited to emergencies, and facing delays in disaster relief and cybersecurity response.
"Shutdowns are never the answer," she continued.
USA Today reports that more than 90% of DHS staff are working without pay, including most of TSA's 64,000-plus workforce.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Gregg Phillips (R-LA) has warned that the shutdown will disrupt the agency's ability to reimburse states for disaster relief costs, a concern he says is especially pressing as hurricane season approaches.
Lastly, the Coast Guard has been directed to focus only on missions critical to national security and the protection of life.
However, not all operations have stopped. ICE is continuing its work, and air traffic controllers, who fall under the FAA and not DHS, are still being paid, which may help prevent widespread flight disruptions.
As of Monday, there is no end in sight. Lawmakers and the White House remain deadlocked, and with Congress not scheduled to return until February 23, the shutdown could stretch to at least 10 days.
For the thousands of federal workers reporting to work without pay, the bigger question may be simpler: how long can this go on?
