Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security funding gap stems from an immigration enforcement standoff with Democrats and is expected to continue through the speech as Congress is on recess.
- Some administration officials and senior Hill Republicans privately warn the optics could make the GOP appear dysfunctional.
- A senior White House official said postponement is not being considered, and Speaker Mike Johnson is not expected to delay the event without a White House request.
- The lapse affects TSA screeners who would work without pay, as well as FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard.
- White House and Republican leaders want the prime-time address to shift focus to the economy, with some in the party planning to fault Democrats for the DHS lapse.