House GOP presses Democrats over national security in shutdown fight

Published October 2, 2025 5:00am ET



Republicans are warning of a threat to national security as they seek to heighten the political pressure on Democrats opposing a GOP-led proposal to reopen the federal government.

The Trump administration is keeping all employees it deems essential on the job, meaning critical operations at the Department of Homeland Security will not stop during a shutdown. More than 90% of agency employees are expected to continue working despite the lapse in funding, according to planning documents.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.