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Speaker Hakeem Jeffries speaks during a PBS interview about Democrats withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with American flags behind him.

Speaker Hakeem Jeffries speaks to PBS about why Democrats are withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Photo credit: PBS

Why Democrats Say They Are Withholding Funding for the Department of Homeland Security

February 18, 2026

Why Democrats Say They Are Withholding Funding for the Department of Homeland Security

Democrats are withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Speaker Hakeem Jeffries explains why — and what it could mean for government operations.

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PBS News Hour Classroom
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NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

A partial government shutdown is underway, and with Congress out this week, many employees of agencies under the Department of Homeland Security will continue working without pay for the foreseeable future. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York is the top Democrat in the House and joined Amna Nawaz to discuss more.

View the transcript of the story.

Warm-Up Questions

  1. Why have Democrats refused to pass a budget funding the Department of Homeland Security, according to Jeffries?
  2. How have Republicans responded to Democrats proposals?
  3. What impact will a shutdown have on the Department of Homeland Security?
  4. When will funding for some DHS worker salaries run out?
  5. Who will be immediately impacted by the shutdown of the Department?

Essential Questions

  • Based on what you know about the Department of Homeland Security, what changes (if any) would you like to see made?
  • Why do you think Congress has experienced so many shutdowns and partial shutdowns of government in this current term?
  • Media literacy: This segment featured leader of House Democrats Hakeem Jeffries. Do you think equal time should have been given to a Republican representative? How do you think Republicans might counter Jeffries' perspective?

What Students Can Do

Watch the following segment on the funding of the Department of Homeland Security and public opinion. Then discuss the following questions on public opinion based on the graphics under the video —

  • Do any of the polls in this segment surprise you? If so, which ones?
  • How much do you think Democratic and Republican positions on operations of DHS based on public opinion and polling?
  • Do you think the changes that Democratic Congress members are proposing could change public opinion about DHS (see list in final graphic)?

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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.

PBS News Hour Classroom
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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