A partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began Friday after lawmakers failed to agree on funding, marking the third such lapse in funding since October. The shutdown, stemming from disagreements over immigration enforcement, comes as members of Congress have either left Washington for a weeklong recess or traveled to the Munich Security Conference.
According to ABC News, the shutdown began after funding for DHS ran out at the end of the day Friday. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought directed DHS to begin implementing shutdown plans earlier that day. The impasse follows a failed vote to fund the department, as Democrats opposed a bipartisan deal due to concerns over President Donald Trump's immigration policies, as reported by Fox News.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, offering a reassuring message to America's allies. He struck a less aggressive tone than the administration has previously used, while still maintaining a firm stance on reshaping the trans-Atlantic alliance and pushing its priorities, according to CBS News. Rubio reminded the audience of America's long-standing ties to Europe, stating the United States would remain connected to the continent.
In other news, a trio of House Democrats demanded the Department of Justice "immediately cease" tracking lawmakers' review of unredacted files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, ABC News reported. Representatives Jamie Raskin, Pramila Jayapal, and Robert Garcia sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Justice Department to develop a new protocol to allow members to meaningfully review the documents. Jayapal accused Bondi of "spying" on her search history during a visit to the DOJ.
Also, Democrats are expanding their battleground map for the upcoming midterm elections, where Republicans will be defending their slim House majority. However, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Rep. Richard Hudson dismissed the Democrats' efforts, stating, "I mean, I've read fiction my whole life, and I recognize it when I see it," according to Fox News. Republicans currently hold a narrow 218-214 majority in the House.
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