Federal paychecks and the SAVE America Act

This episode of Congress in Context explores a Capitol deeply divided as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown reaches a critical 40-day milestone, leaving roughly 260,000 Federal workers without pay. We analyze the intense partisan standoff where Republicans insist on full funding for all DHS agencies, including immigration enforcement, while Democrats attempt to isolate pay for the TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard from controversial ICE and CBP operations. The program also dives into the fierce floor debate over the SAVE America Act, examining whether its proposed proof-of-citizenship requirements are essential safeguards for election integrity or a bureaucratic hurdle intended to suppress the vote. Finally, we examine the escalating war in Iran, contextualizing its domestic economic ripple effects—from skyrocketing gas prices to supply chain disruptions—against a backdrop of rare bipartisan unity found in honoring the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

March 25, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 8029: Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act – This bill provides appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the 2026 fiscal year to address the current funding lapse.
• S. 1383: Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act – Legislation that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and a government-issued photo ID to cast a ballot in federal elections.
• H.R. 5103: Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2026 – Recently passed by the House, this act establishes a federal commission to oversee safety and immigration enforcement and creates a D.C. beautification program.
• H.R. 7084: Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 – A bill to amend maritime code regarding the types of vessels allowed to enter U.S. waters or transfer cargo at U.S. ports.
• S. 858: Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act – Authorizes the location of a monument on the National Mall to honor the valor and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients.
• H.R. 7481: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act – A Democratic alternative intended to fund "law-abiding" agencies like the TSA and FEMA while excluding funding for ICE and CBP.
• S. 4189: Insulin Price Reduction – A new proposal aimed at reducing insulin costs and providing patient protections.
• S. 4213: Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act – Requires data center operators to submit reports on energy and water consumption to federal or state authorities.
• H.R. 8074: Maternal Health – Introduced to end preventable maternal mortality and close health outcome disparities.