Tom Cole: Americans are feeling the impact of a government shutdown

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Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma): Weekly Chat | Week of 3.2.26

Americans Are Seeing The Impact

Monday, March 16, 2026

By Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma)

cole.house.gov

Thanks to Senator Chuck Schumer and the caucus he leads, the Homeland Security shutdown has now entered its’ fourth week — and, although the White House sent an offer a week ago, there doesn’t look to be an end in sight.

Put simply, this is unacceptable. The House has now passed legislation to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security twice. And with bipartisan support I might add. Yet Senate Democrats have chosen to use our homeland and the safety of the American people as a political bargaining chip.

This is a dangerous and reckless choice, especially during this time when threats are heightened on the global stage. Now, the longer it continues, the more strain it puts on the systems designed to keep Americans safe.

Today, TSA personnel are missing their first full paychecks – thanks to Chuck Schumer and the caucus he leads. But what is ironic is that not one Senate Democrat who voted to deny paychecks for others has missed their own.

I am so tired of politicians making a political point…
— Rep. Tom Cole (@TomColeOK04) March 13, 2026

National security is threatened. DHS personnel and Coast Guard servicemembers are working without pay. Training for first responders has been cancelled. A majority of the workforce at our cyber defense agency is furloughed while adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China actively target American infrastructure. Security coordination and preparation are being hampered as our nation prepares to host major global events like the 2026 World Cup.

And now — all the American people are starting to see the impact when they travel. Longer security lines at airports throughout the nation. Delays. Cancelled flights for Spring Break trips families were looking forward to.

In fact, according to DHS statistics, Houston had a 165-minute wait time yesterday. Atlanta and New Orleans airports clocked in at 60 minutes and Charlotte at 47 minutes. These are real effects being felt by real Americans right now.

Chairman @TomColeOK04 said it best: emergency preparedness and national security are not optional. Shutdowns don't keep Americans safe.

Read Chairman Cole's remarks on this week's bill to reopen DHS and fully fund it through the end of the year. https://t.co/xs8dehunHS pic.twitter.com/upbKTcSCGh
— House Appropriations (@HouseAppropsGOP) March 3, 2026

The Republican-led House has already acted responsibly for the American people – twice. It is time for the Senate to follow suit.

Senate Democrats must join their Republican colleagues and vote to pass Homeland Security funding in order for the Department to go back to its mission of protecting our homeland. The American people are counting on them.

Tom Cole, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, is serving his eleventh term in the U.S. Congress as the elected representative of Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District. He is recognized as an advocate for taxpayers and small business, a proponent for a strong national defense and a leader in promoting biomedical research. He is considered the foremost expert in the U.S. House of Representatives on issues dealing with Native Americans and tribal governments. He is the Chairman, the top Republican leadership position on the committee, of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which he has served on since 2009. He also previously served as the Chairman of the House Rules Committee. Cole and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Mason, and reside in Moore, Oklahoma.