DHS Shutdown Hits Day 40: New Secretary Mullin Sworn In as CISA Acting Director Set to Testify on Cyber Gaps

The DHS partial shutdown entered its 40th day on March 25, with approximately 100,000 employees working without pay across the department. Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the 9th DHS Secretary on March 24 after Senate confirmation in a 54-45 vote, with his first public statement declaring ending the shutdown a 'national security' priority. CISA Acting Director Nick Andersen is scheduled to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday at a hearing titled 'Funding Lapse and Security Gaps,' alongside officials from the Coast Guard and FEMA. CISA continues operating at approximately 38% staffing (888 of 2,341 personnel). More than 450 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began on February 14, callout rates exceed 11% nationally, and ICE agents have been deployed to at least 11 airports to supplement security screening. TSA officers are set to miss their second full paycheck this weekend if Congress does not act before the two-week recess.