Watch live: House Democrats speak as DHS funding battle persists

The Hill
by The Hill Staff
March 17, 2026
10 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

House Democrats are opposing a Department of Homeland Security funding deal in an ongoing stalemate with the Trump administration.

How This Affects You

Critical homeland security functions remain unfunded as the dispute continues, potentially affecting immigration enforcement, border operations, and emergency services.

AI Summary

House Democratic leaders Pete Aguilar and Ted Lieu are holding a press conference Tuesday amid an ongoing stalemate over Department of Homeland Security funding that has persisted for over a month following a partial government shutdown. The funding dispute continues despite President Trump's recent removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, signaling that Democrats' concerns extend beyond personnel changes. Democrats have refused to cave on their funding demands, suggesting fundamental disagreement with the Trump administration over DHS budget priorities or conditions. The prolonged impasse leaves critical homeland security functions in limbo and underscores deepening gridlock between the Democratic-controlled House and the Trump White House. How long the shutdown persists depends on whether either side moves closer to the other's position on spending levels or policy riders.

What's Being Done

House Democratic leaders Pete Aguilar and Ted Lieu held a press conference to outline their position on DHS funding demands.

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