The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown entered its fifth week after Congress and the president failed to extend DHS funding past the Feb. 13 deadline, leaving the department operating under a continuing lapse in appropriations as negotiations continue.
- Status: DHS funding lapsed Feb. 13 and the shutdown is now in its fifth week, according to NARFE.
- Cause: Congress and the president did not enact legislation to extend DHS appropriations by the deadline, NARFE reported.
- Workforce impact: The lapse is affecting DHS operations and personnel, with employees facing disruption as lawmakers negotiate a resolution, according to NARFE.
- Operational posture: DHS components are operating under shutdown rules, with functions continuing or pausing depending on whether work is deemed excepted under federal shutdown guidance, NARFE said.
- Next steps: Lawmakers are continuing talks aimed at restoring funding; no extension had been enacted as of March 17, according to NARFE’s update.
Brief context: A shutdown at DHS means the department must follow federal requirements for a lapse in appropriations, which typically divides employees into “excepted” personnel who must continue working and “non-excepted” personnel who are furloughed until funding is restored. NARFE reported the ongoing lapse is affecting both day-to-day operations and the workforce as negotiations drag on. Employees should watch for official component-level guidance on reporting requirements, timekeeping, and pay procedures during the lapse.
For federal employees and service members who interact with DHS services, the practical effects depend on which functions remain operational during the shutdown period. NARFE’s report notes the lapse is ongoing while lawmakers negotiate a funding resolution. Employees should rely on official DHS leadership communications for current instructions and consult agency HR resources for shutdown-related questions. For general background on shutdown rules and how furlough status typically works across agencies, see FedBrief’s explainer: https://fedbrief.org/.
Source: NARFE News, “Homeland Security shutdown enters fifth week” (March 17, 2026), https://www.narfe.org/blog/2026/03/17/homeland-security-shutdown-enters-fifth-week/