The government has been operating with just essential staff for 36 days, beating the 2019 record. Some senators are reportedly predicting the stalemate could break this week, but in the meantime, thousands have been furloughed, gadgets awaiting regulatory approval are stalled, and SNAP benefits are in jeopardy.
Under a proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could demand biometric information including DNA from immigrants and associated US citizens, and even children under age 14. That would be a significant expansion of the information the agency currently collects.
A centerpiece of the Kids Online Safety Act is rumored to be at risk in the new version.
Some former government tech workers are stepping in to help get them through.
