Episode Summary: "Democrats Shut Down DHS"

Podcast: What A Day
Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: Burgess Everett, Congressional Bureau Chief for Semafor
Date: February 13, 2026
Duration: ~20 minutes

Overview

This episode dives into a dramatic week on Capitol Hill, focusing on Senate Democrats’ decision to block a bill that would fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without addressing their major concerns on immigration enforcement. Host Jane Coaston and guest Burgess Everett dissect why only partial government shutdown is looming, explore the politics of Trump’s tariffs, analyze a key House vote on the “Save America Act,” and touch on several headline events including a tumultuous federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota and unusual Congressional indictments. Throughout, the show’s tone remains direct, skeptical, and engaged, with a strong focus on the practical realities and political chess moves behind the headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate Democrats Block DHS Funding, Triggering a Partial Shutdown

Timestamps: 00:09 – 06:15

• Democrats refused to pass a DHS funding bill absent reforms to federal immigration enforcement, such as ending concealed ICE agent identities and racial profiling ([00:09], [01:49]).
• The shutdown is imminent: many Senators have left Washington as negotiations stall.
  • “The shutdown’s happening. The Senate is gone. These members are scattered all over, not just the country, but the earth.” – Burgess Everett [02:43]
  • Lawmakers’ early departure signals dysfunction. Everett notes, “They left at Thursday, at 4:15 before a shutdown, 36 hours later. So I, I can't recall ever seeing that in my time covering Capitol Hill.” [02:43]
• Democrats feel politically emboldened, believing public support favors their stance on ICE and immigration oversight.
  • “Democrats…think they have the high ground here politically and that that usually translates to the policy…They just feel the wind is at their backs on this issue.” – Burgess Everett [03:30]
• Many DHS workers are considered essential and must report to work without pay, echoing aspects of the 2018-2019 partial shutdown ([04:15]).
• Some federal funds might be creatively used to cover salaries, as occurred under previous Trump administration shutdowns ([05:00]).
• Negotiations are slow; while Democrats prepare a counteroffer, major movement is unlikely until the Senate returns after February 23 ([05:34]).

2. Congress Debates Trump’s Tariffs as House Rebels

Timestamps: 06:15 – 08:54

• The House, with a handful of rebellious Republicans, votes to rescind Trump’s tariffs on Canada, reflecting growing discomfort even among the GOP.
  • “Congress doesn't love tariffs either... In general, we're starting to hear more discomfort from Republicans about Trump's tariffs, specifically from members in battleground states.” – Jane Coaston [06:15]
• Senate’s prospective vote to override tariffs will likely also pass, but President Trump is expected to veto.
• Most Republicans are reluctant to oppose Trump due to fear of retribution:
  • “The number of Republicans willing to vote against the President...is not equal to the number uneasy with the tariffs. If this was some secret ballot vote, you’d see way more Republicans breaking with the President.” – Burgess Everett [06:55]
  • Trump uses the votes as "loyalty tests," threatening to primary dissenters ([07:45]).
• Retiring Republicans are key to any rebellion against Trump’s tariffs, as they are immune from political consequences ([08:08]).
• The ongoing pattern is more symbolic than substantive, but it signals crackling GOP tensions ([08:54]).

3. The Return & Revision of the SAVE (Save America) Act

Timestamps: 08:54 – 11:02

• SAVE Act morphs into the "Save America Act," requiring both photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote, enforcing a new federal standard if passed ([09:04]).
• Coaston notes, only one Democrat supported the bill, reflecting how polarized the issue has become.
• There's "false hope" among conservatives that this could pass the Senate, as Democrats (and some moderate Republicans) block such measures ([09:36]).
• “It also feels there's a little bit of a shirts and skins exercise to it at this point.” – Burgess Everett [09:36]
• Legislative filibuster remains a sticking point, with Trump calling for its removal to advance such measures, but GOP leadership is skeptical of sidelining it due to unintended consequences ([10:24]).

4. What’s Next: Predictions and Congressional Chaos

Timestamps: 11:02 – 12:22

• Everett predicts a year of "total chaos" rather than business as usual:
  • “It just doesn't feel like that kind of year. It kind of did a few weeks ago, but then the Venezuela operation happened. And ever since, it seems like it's been total chaos.” [11:25]
• Issues like the Federal Reserve chairmanship, surprise indictments of lawmakers, and the President’s unpredictable moves are likened to “reactive” governance rather than normal legislative process.
  • “They're having to react to these things in real time and it's affecting decisions for the entire government. So strap yourself in. I just think it's going to be a crazy year.” [11:25-12:22]

5. Other Headline News

Timestamps: 16:16 – 19:46

Immigration Surge in Minnesota Ends

• After a 2-month controversial crackdown, Trump’s immigration surge in Minnesota concludes, with both federal and local leaders at odds over its impact ([16:34]).
  • Governor Tim Walz labeled it “an unprecedented federal invasion.”
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry lamented, “This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses...It’s time for a great comeback.”
• The operation was marked by deaths and arrests; two citizens, Alex Preddy and Renee Goode, were killed by federal officers.

Senate Hearings: Can Yelling at ICE Be Domestic Assault?

• Senate Homeland Security Committee confronts federal immigration leaders over enforcement conduct:
  • Senator Rand Paul asks, “Is yelling at ICE officers…a form of domestic assault on the officers?”
  • ICE leadership unanimously responds, "No, sir," clarifying the legal line ([17:34-18:09]).

Legal Battle: Senator Mark Kelly’s Censure Blocked

• Federal judge rules that the Pentagon overstepped by punishing Sen. Mark Kelly for urging troops to resist illegal orders ([18:58]).
  • Kelly: “This administration was sending a message to millions of retired veterans that they, too, can be censured or demoted just for speaking out.” [18:37]

Venezuela Update

• Venezuela, beset by turmoil after the U.S. captured former President Maduro, maintains a cooperative tone in diplomacy despite ongoing upheavals ([19:20]).

Polls: Voters Rethink Trump vs. Biden

• New polls suggest voters now favor former President Biden over Trump on many issues, including border security, where Trump has lost ground (NBC: 49% strongly disapprove of Trump’s immigration/border policies) ([19:46]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congress’s Dysfunctional Shutdown Tactics:
  • Burgess Everett: “It's as dysfunctional as the institution can be.” [02:43]
  • “The Senate basically dipped.” – Jane Coaston [03:23]
• On Political Calculations:
  • Everett: “They're having to react to these things in real time and it's affecting decisions for the entire government. So strap yourself in.” [11:25]
• On Republican Reluctance to Oppose Trump:
  • Everett: “The President has shown that he is so upset when Republicans oppose him...he says, I'm going to primary anyone who votes against me, and only six of them vote for it. And I think, you know, 20, 30 might have been considering it.” [07:45]
• On Public Trauma from Immigration Enforcement:
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry (via Jane Coaston): “This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses. And now it's time for a great comeback.” [16:34]
• On Legislative Deadlock:
  • Everett: “Usually that's a sign that negotiations have gone completely south. When somebody leaks an offer, they publish it and it just shows that things have fallen apart. Right. And so those two things kind of make me think, hey, there's still some positive momentum here.” [05:34]

Important Segment Timestamps

• DHS Funding Blockade: 00:09 – 06:15
• Tariff Rebellion in Congress: 06:15 – 08:54
• SAVE Act Debate: 08:54 – 11:02
• Congressional Year Outlook: 11:02 – 12:22
• Minnesota Immigration Surge Ends: 16:16 – 16:54
• ICE Senate Hearings: 17:34 – 18:09
• Senator Kelly’s Court Win: 18:09 – 18:58
• Venezuela Update & Politics: 19:20 – 19:46
• National Polls & Closing Thoughts: 19:46 – end

Tone & Style

Jane Coaston and Burgess Everett maintain a candid, sometimes darkly humorous, and deeply informed tone. Jane’s quick asides (“The Senate basically dipped,” [03:23]; “this is a show where we do get deep,” [06:51]) keep the pace brisk and the commentary relatable for listeners seeking clarity amidst political noise.

This episode offers a sharp, accessible summary of a pivotal week in U.S. politics, highlighting the growing chaos on Capitol Hill and the ways party calculations are shaping the real-world impact of government action—or inaction. Listeners walk away with insight into not just what’s happening, but why, ready to follow the unfolding drama in Congress and beyond.