In this episode, we examine a day of intense deliberation as the Senate grapples with active hostilities in Iran alongside a nearly month-long partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. We explore the deep partisan divide over ICE and Border Patrol reforms, a stalemate that has left agencies like the TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard without funding during a time of war.

The episode also covers significant domestic legislative pushes, including the Housing for the 21st Century Act, designed to address the national supply crisis, and the SAVE America Act, which focuses on proof of citizenship for voting. Additionally, we look at the controversy surrounding an executive order that critics argue is "whitewashing" American history by removing sensitive historical content from national parks. Finally, the episode pays tribute to the human cost of conflict, honoring three Iowa servicemembers killed in a recent Iranian drone strike.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

March 11, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 6644: Housing for the 21st Century Act (also called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act) – A bipartisan package aimed at increasing the national housing supply and lowering costs.
• H.R. 7147: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act – Legislation to fund the DHS, currently at the center of a funding stalemate regarding ICE and Border Patrol reforms.
• SAVE America Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) – A bill requiring proof of citizenship for voting in Federal elections.
• S. 4051: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act – A bill to mint commemorative coins honoring fallen firefighters and supporting their families.
• S. 4056: Proprietary Education Oversight Task Force Act – Legislation to establish an interagency committee to increase accountability for for-profit colleges.
• S. 4065 – A bill requiring sanctions against the People’s Republic of China if it threatens Taiwan's security.
• S. 4066 – A bill to withdraw the approval for mifepristone and establish a Federal tort for harm caused by chemical abortion drugs.
• S. 1552 – Legislation designed to protect living organ donors from discrimination.
• S. 2357: Young Fishermen’s Development Act – A reauthorization bill recently reported by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.