Senator John Barrasso has used his social media platform to express concerns about the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its impact on national security and federal employees.
On March 12, 2026, Barrasso posted: “Our nation, our people are under attack. We need to defend ourselves. We need a fully funded Department of Homeland Security.”
Later that day, he criticized Democratic lawmakers, writing: “Today, again, Democrats voted to keep @DHSgov shut down. They have no interest in protecting the American people. Instead, they are protecting illegal immigrant criminals.”
On March 13, 2026, Barrasso highlighted the effects of the shutdown on federal workers: “Right now, 50,000 TSA agents across the country are missing their paychecks. This is the third time in six months. All Americans are fed up and have had enough of this political game playing by the Democrats. It’s time to open @DHSgov.”
The DHS has previously experienced funding lapses due to congressional disagreements over border security and immigration policy. During such shutdowns, many federal employees—including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents—work without pay until appropriations are restored.
