Government Shutdown Looms as Tensions Rise Over Homeland Security Funding and Iran Policy
Washington, D.C. – The United States faces the potential of a partial government shutdown at the end of the week as Congress struggles to reach an agreement on a six-bill appropriations package. The deadlock is fueled by disagreements over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and escalating tensions with Iran.
Funding for several federal agencies is set to expire after midnight on Friday, prompting Senate Democrats to object to the bill, demanding significant changes to DHS funding. They have signaled a willingness to block the bill's passage, even if it leads to a government shutdown, according to Time. The disagreement comes amid increased scrutiny of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with some Republicans even calling for her resignation, as reported by Vox.
Adding to the political turmoil, tensions with Iran have escalated, with President Trump suggesting that military options are being considered following interventions in protests across the country on January 28, 2026, according to Vox. Trump's remarks have contributed to escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, as debates over a possible US intervention gained wide coverage in Iranian media amid ongoing unrest.
Meanwhile, a report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealed the significant cost of President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to multiple U.S. cities in the past year. The CBO estimates that the deployments to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Memphis, Portland, and Chicago through December cost taxpayers nearly $500 million, according to Time. These deployments, initiated in June, were defended by the President as necessary to crack down on crime but have faced legal challenges and sparked outrage from local and state leaders, as well as residents.
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