Christy Noem marks DHS’s 23rd anniversary as shutdown leaves staff unpaid
christy noem surfaced in the day’s Washington focus as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem marked the agency’s 23rd anniversary while the partial government shutdown reached its 16th day on Monday.
What happens when Christy Noem spotlights DHS’s anniversary during an unpaid shutdown?
Noem used a post on X to commemorate the milestone, writing, “Today marks the Department of Homeland Security’s 23rd anniversary. ” She also acknowledged employees who continued working without pay during the shutdown, thanking them for “continued service and sacrifice to our nation. ”
The context she highlighted included pay impacts that emerged after the shutdown began on February 14, when workers saw diminished paychecks last week.
What if DHS’s shutdown strains operations while leadership emphasizes achievements?
In a press release shared on the department’s website, Noem pointed to what she described as wins under her leadership, including the deportation of 3 million illegal immigrants, arrests of gang members, and seizures of illicit drugs.
Noem also framed the department’s scope in broad operational terms, stating that DHS confronts threats “by air, land, sea, or cyberspace” and that its work includes preventing cybersecurity and terrorism threats, safeguarding the southern border, reforming the immigration system, and helping Americans after natural disasters.
What happens next as a Senate vote is planned on DHS funding?
A Senate vote was planned Monday on a bill passed by the House that is expected to ensure the return of DHS funding.
Democrats previously refused to pass the spending package unless DHS put in place stricter reforms for its immigration enforcement agents following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. The two, described as anti-ICE protesters, were killed weeks apart by federal agents in January.
Separately, President Donald Trump announced Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will be DHS Secretary at the end of March, replacing Kristi Noem.
