On March 20, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed S. 4138 into law. The legislation waives the standard 60-day notice requirement to allow for the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork, United States Army.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has entered its 35th day, with the Trump Administration reporting severe disruptions to national travel and security. The administration continues to blame "Radical Left Democrats" for the impasse, accusing them of weaponizing national security to protect "illegal aliens."

Key impacts of the ongoing shutdown include:

• • Aviation Crisis: Over 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay for the third time in six months. High rates of resignations and callouts have led to "skyrocketing" wait times and checkpoint closures at major hubs, including Atlanta, Houston, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia, where lines have reportedly extended into parking garages and outside buildings.

  • Workforce Strain: More than 100,000 total DHS employees are currently unpaid. The administration highlights that these financial hardships are driving veteran officers to leave their posts, creating "dangerous staffing shortfalls."

  • National Security Risks: Beyond airports, the lack of funding is straining critical missions at FEMA (disaster response), cybersecurity agencies, and maritime law enforcement.

  • Political Standoff: The White House asserts that while Republicans have negotiated in "good faith," Democrats have refused to pass a funding bill unless it includes "radical" provisions that would roll back the administration's border security progress.

The report concludes by calling for an immediate end to "partisan games" and demanding that Congress fully fund the DHS to restore pay to frontline workers and ensure public safety.

President Donald J. Trump issued a message extending his best wishes to Americans celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

Key highlights of the message include:

• • Significance of the Holiday: The President recognized Nowruz as an ancient celebration marking the arrival of spring and the "eternal triumph of light over darkness." He characterized the holiday as a reflection on the power of new beginnings.

  • Geopolitical Context: The message specifically links the holiday to the administration’s ongoing "righteous mission in the Middle East," expressing a prayer that the new year will promote peace and human dignity globally.

  • Closing Sentiment: The President offered a prayer for blessings in the year ahead and concluded with the traditional greeting, "Nowruz Pirouz!"

The statement frames the holiday as both a cultural celebration of renewal and an occasion to reaffirm the administration's foreign policy goals in the region.