DHS halts some FEMA travel amid partial shutdown
The Hill
by Rachel FrazinFebruary 19, 2026
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended certain disaster-related travel activities at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to a partial government shutdown linked to ongoing funding disputes between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers. An internal email reviewed by *The Hill* revealed that DHS has issued a stop-travel order for all DHS-funded trips, including those related to disaster response, until further notice. This move comes amid broader tensions over federal budget priorities, with both sides deadlocked over issues like border security and immigration policy.
The partial shutdown, which began in December 2018, has already led to significant disruptions across various federal agencies. For FEMA, this includes the suspension of non-essential travel for disaster response and preparedness activities. While essential emergency operations continue, the halt on travel could impact the agency's ability to deploy staff for disaster recovery efforts or attend crucial meetings with state and local officials. This decision has raised concerns among public safety experts, who worry that delays in FEMA's response could exacerbate risks during ongoing or emerging crises.
The situation highlights the broader political battle over funding priorities under the Trump administration. Democrats have opposed additional border wall funding, while the White House has refused to backtrack on its demand for $5.7 billion to construct a border barrier. The shutdown has now entered its second year, marking one of the longest government closures in U.S. history. With FEMA's travel restrictions adding another layer of complexity, critics argue that such actions could undermine disaster response capabilities and public safety during critical times.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the partial shutdown and its ripple effects across federal
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/19/2026