{"id":2575283,"date":"2026-03-02T16:11:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-face-choice-to-reopen-dhs-amid-fears-of-retaliation-from-iran-proxies\/"},"modified":"2026-03-02T16:13:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:13:01","slug":"democrats-face-choice-to-reopen-dhs-amid-fears-of-retaliation-from-iran-proxies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-face-choice-to-reopen-dhs-amid-fears-of-retaliation-from-iran-proxies\/","title":{"rendered":"Democrats face choice to reopen DHS amid fears of retaliation from Iran proxies"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdemocrats-face-choice-to-reopen-dhs-amid-fears-of-retaliation-from-iran-proxies%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2575283&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>House Democrats are faced wiht deciding whether to reopen the Department of Homeland Security as threats from Iran adn potential retaliation inside the United States rise in the wake of U.S. strikes on Iran and FBI warnings. Republicans plan to bring a DHS funding bill to a vote this week,arguing that a funded DHS is essential for national security during this dangerous period and to prevent a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nancy-pelosi-blames-president-trump-climate-change-for-migrant-surge\/\" title=\"Nancy Pelosi blames President Trump, \u2018climate change\u2019 for migrant surge\">partial government shutdown<\/a>. They also wont to attach the SAVE America Act\u2014requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship to register to vote\u2014to the funding package,a move senate Republicans have resisted as of the filibuster. The debate highlights divisions over immigration enforcement, party strategy ahead of the midterms, and how aggressively to press the Senate on conservative priorities. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-alter-war-powers-vote-to-give-trump-some-leeway\/\" title=\"... alter ... powers ... to give Trump some leeway\">separate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/43-republican-democrat-house-members-demand-biden-seek-approval-before-sending-u-s-troops-to-ukraine\/\" title=\"43 ..., Democrat ... Members Demand Biden Seek Approval Before Sending U.S. Troops To Ukraine\">war powers resolution<\/a><\/a> by Reps. Khanna and massie woudl bar unauthorized U.S. military action against Iran, but it faces opposition and is unlikely to pass. The House is set to vote later in the week,after a briefing from administration officials,as lawmakers weigh DHS funding,ongoing Iran-related tensions,and the broader political dynamics.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Democrats face choice to reopen DHS amid fears of Iran terrorist proxies retaliating inside US<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2520653\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>House Democrats will be forced to decide this week whether to reopen the Department of Homeland Security or keep the agency charged with protecting the country from terrorism closed as threats of Iranian terrorist cells retaliating inside the United States mount.<\/p>\n<p>House <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/republicans\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"240\">Republican<\/a> leadership is teeing up a vote to fund DHS this week, with Republicans using the possible fallout from the U.S. strikes on Iran as leverage to end the partial <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/government-shutdown\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"18\">government shutdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4476823\/biden-judge-blocks-noem-ban-lawmaker-visits-ice\/\">Biden judge blocks Noem from banning lawmaker visits at ICE detention sites<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4476227\/trump-snub-dan-crenshaw-endorsement-sway-texas-voters\/\">Trump&rsquo;s snub of Crenshaw may not sway Texas voters away from incumbent<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4475929\/iran-conflict-calls-reopen-dhs-cannot-afford-delays\/\">Threat of Iranian retaliation puts pressure on Democrats to reopen DHS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;Following the successful strikes on Iran and the FBI&rsquo;s warning of elevated threats here at home, it is dangerous for Democrats in Washington to keep the Department of Homeland Security shut down,&rdquo; House Majority Leader <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/steve-scalise\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1757\">Steve Scalise<\/a> (R-LA) <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/stevescalise\/status\/2028217056638931155?s=46\">said<\/a> on X on Sunday afternoon following a call with the House GOP conference.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This week, we are calling on House Democrats to end their dangerous games by bringing to the floor legislation to end the DHS shutdown so we can ensure agencies can protect America during this dangerous time,&rdquo; Scalise added.<\/p>\n<p>House Speaker <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/mike-johnson\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"7043\">Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) told Republicans the DHS funding bill will largely resemble the one that <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4430090\/final-four-government-funding-bills-pass-house\/\">passed the chamber in January<\/a> but stalled in the Senate, the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> confirmed. The House rules committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the legislation.<\/p>\n<p>The decision to put the DHS bill on the floor for the second time comes as negotiations between the White House, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans remain up in the air over how to proceed with funding for immigration agencies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>But Republicans have pointed to possible dangers spreading across the country in response to the U.S. striking Iran over the weekend, which they say requires a fully-funded DHS. Several members have already pointed to one shooting in Austin that happened over the weekend, which authorities are <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2026\/03\/02\/us\/austin-mass-shooting-ndiaga-diagne-wwk-hnk\">investigating as possibly motivated <\/a>by the conflict in Iran.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>One House Republican on Sunday&rsquo;s conference call told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that putting the DHS bill on the floor will show that the GOP is staying on offense.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve already funded it. We&rsquo;ll vote to fund it again,&rdquo; the member said of Republicans. &ldquo;What are you doing, Democrats? Why are you blocking funding when we&rsquo;re at war?&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The DHS bill received seven House Democratic votes when it came up for a vote in January, and the prolonged shutdown, coupled with the news out of Iran, increases the chances the second DHS bill will get the same, if not more, support from centrist Democrats.<\/p>\n<p>One point of contention among conservatives, however, is that they want to attach the SAVE America Act to the DHS funding bill to force the Senate to take up the bill. The legislation, which will require voter ID and proof of citizenship to register in elections, has become a focal point of the Republican agenda.<\/p>\n<p>But Senate Republican leadership under Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has been hesitant to remove the 60-vote filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, something which many conservatives in the House are demanding he do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The House Republican on the call told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that there is a bloc of the conference that wants to see more pressure being put on the Senate, not just on the SAVE America Act, but on other issues as well.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Get busy doing some things. You know, we&rsquo;re not moving confirmations enough. Why are you out of session again, you know, when you still haven&rsquo;t gotten this done? Force Democrats to be there. There&rsquo;s no urgency. There&rsquo;s just a lot of excuses,&rdquo; the Republican said.<\/p>\n<p>Some Republicans suggested on the call that the House hold votes on any legislation sent over by the Senate until the SAVE America Act gets a vote in the upper chamber. But others don&rsquo;t see a reason to add the SAVE America Act to a funding bill. Doing so would likely make any funding bill for Homeland Security dead in the water, considering it will already be difficult to get a handful of Democrats to pass any funding for DHS without serious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-is-draining-the-swamp-but-all-50-states-need-to-help\/\" title=\"Trump Is Draining The Swamp, But All 50 States Need To Help\">immigration enforcement reforms<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We have passed the save act twice,&rdquo; Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> in a text. &ldquo;I think [it&rsquo;s] more important to get dhs funded.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> in an interview he thinks the House should &ldquo;bombard the Senate&rdquo; with multiple bills, whether that&rsquo;s a stand-alone DHS funding bill or a funding bill with the SAVE America Act attached.<\/p>\n<p>For now, the DHS funding bill will get a vote without the SAVE America Act attached, Johnson told House Republicans on Sunday&rsquo;s call, citing DHS as the immediate priority due to the Iran strikes. The speaker is also wary of optics heading into the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >competitive midterm election cycle<\/a> this year, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/liz_elkind\/status\/2028261451362885664\">reportedly<\/a> telling his members that &ldquo;if we&rsquo;re going to go to war against our own party in the Senate, there may be implications to that,&rdquo; Fox News Digital reported.<\/p>\n<p>That mentality doesn&rsquo;t sit well with Roy.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I keep hearing House Republicans saying, &lsquo;Well, we don&rsquo;t want to be seen as having interparty squabbles heading into the election.&rsquo; You know what else? We don&rsquo;t want to be seen as doing nothing, so we should do something,&rdquo; Roy said.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4474372\/trump-us-ahead-iran-operation-epic-fury\/\"><strong>TRUMP CLAIMS IRAN OPERATION &lsquo;AHEAD OF SCHEDULE&rsquo; AS U.S. SINKS 10 SHIPS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The House is only scheduled to vote on Wednesday and Thursday this week, with members set to receive a briefing on the Iran strikes from administration officials on Tuesday. Democrats requested Friday to be a no-vote day so members could attend the Rev. Jesse Jackson&rsquo;s funeral.<\/p>\n<p>Coming up for a vote this week, likely on Thursday, will be a bipartisan war powers resolution by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) to prohibit any unauthorized U.S. military action against Iran. Most House Republicans and a few House Democrats have come out against the war powers resolution, diminishing its chances of passing.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> reached out to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dems weigh DHS reopening as Iran threats loom<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2648,"featured_media":2575284,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26041600666931.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[3685,7492,4551,3823,7996],"class_list":["post-2575283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-democrats","tag-dhs","tag-foreign-policy","tag-iran","tag-retaliation"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26041600666931.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2575283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2648"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2575283"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2575283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2575287,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2575283\/revisions\/2575287"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2575284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2575283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2575283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2575283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}