President Trump informed The Post that he is actively considering compelling Congress to return from its scheduled recess for a rare special session. The purpose of this extraordinary session would be to finally settle the 45-day funding lapse currently impacting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The DHS Funding Crisis and Congressional Recess

Congress is currently on recess, scheduled to return on April 14. If the recess continues until that date, DHS employees will have endured two full months without receiving their paychecks.

Historical Precedent for Special Sessions

Should President Trump invoke this measure, it would mark the first special session convened since 1948. At that time, President Harry Truman called Republicans back to Washington to debate crucial legislation concerning health care, civil rights, and Social Security.

Recent Actions and Administration Stance

This week, the President utilized an executive order to restore pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers. This action was taken amid widespread travel disruption, which saw passengers nationwide facing several hours of delays at security checkpoints.

However, it remains uncertain how long this executive workaround can be sustained to mitigate the travel chaos.

White House Demands for Resolution

During a briefing on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated firmly that “nothing will be truly normal again until Democrats do the right thing to fund this agency fully.”

Scope of the Shutdown and Political Standoff

The Department of Homeland Security encompasses numerous critical sub-agencies. These include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), US Customs and Border Protection, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The shutdown originated when Senate Democrats insisted on changes related to President Trump’s campaign focused on mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Republicans have since rejected proposals that would fund only portions of the department while separating immigration enforcement matters for later discussion.