IC Oversight & Authorities — 2026-04-08

DHS Shutdown Becomes Longest in US History; CISA at One-Third Staffing During Peak Iranian Cyber Threat

The DHS shutdown reached Day 53, surpassing all prior shutdowns as the longest targeting a single department. CISA operates at one-third staffing, performing only essential functions as Iranian cyber operations hit US critical infrastructure. The House held a pro forma session on April 6 but did not vote on the Senate-passed funding bill. Congress remains on recess until April 13, with the next possible vote the week of April 14.

Analysis
The back-pay order on April 3 addressed the financial hardship for employees but did nothing to restore operational capacity. CISA cannot perform strategic planning, develop cybersecurity guidance, or build new technical capabilities while furloughed. These gaps compound daily as Iranian APT groups actively disrupt US critical infrastructure PLCs.

2 sources

DHS Shutdown Fuels Cybersecurity Risks Amid Iran-Linked Attacks - Yehey
Government Shutdown - Rep. Ed Case