NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The failure of Congress to provide funding to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and, specifically, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had real world consequences — our country and its borders were less safe during a time of war, and the men and women in law enforcement were left to wonder if they would receive a paycheck while their lives were on the line. The fact is that protecting our nation’s homeland doesn’t stop, and neither should DHS’ officers’ paychecks. Were it not for the extraordinary measures taken by President Trump and his administration to pay these employees, this crisis would have been even greater. These officers, and our country, are fortunate we averted any disaster or lasting damage. Finally, Congress has voted to end the shutdown after a grueling and agonizing 76 days.…