On March 29, 2026, Congressman Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, spoke on CBS News' "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan, addressing several pressing political issues including the recent government shutdown, immigration enforcement by ICE, the President's handling of federal workforce payments, negotiations with Iran, Russia's involvement in aiding Iran, and ethics concerns within the Democratic Party.
### The Government Shutdown and ICE Enforcement
Himes began by discussing the recent government shutdown and its connection to immigration enforcement, particularly the role of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). He explained that the shutdown was initiated by Democrats to limit ICE's aggressive tactics, which have drawn public criticism. Despite the shutdown, Himes pointed out that ICE remained funded because it had received substantial financial support from the President's previous budget bill. Moreover, ICE's responsibilities were expanding, including operations in American airports nationwide.
Himes emphasized that the standoff over funding and enforcement was ongoing. He criticized the President for what he described as illegally redirecting funds to pay TSA agents amid the shutdown, underscoring that Congress holds the constitutional "power of the purse." He noted that the Senate had passed a bipartisan bill unanimously to fund all agencies except ICE, aiming to address concerns about ICE's conduct. However, the Republican-controlled House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, rejected this approach, causing a legislative impasse.
The Congressman elaborated on the public's disapproval of ICE's actions, citing instances where ICE agents, dressed in military-style gear, forcibly entered homes without warrants, resulting in the deaths of two American citizens. Himes framed the Democratic position as a call for ICE to behave like a traditional police force, respecting legal protocols and civil rights. He insisted that this was not an extreme demand but a basic expectation for law enforcement conduct.
### The President's Funding Maneuvers and Legal Concerns
When asked about the President's decision to redirect existing funds to pay TSA agents during the shutdown, Himes asserted that this move was illegal. He clarified that while government employees should indeed be paid for their work, bypassing Congress's budgetary authority violates the constitutional separation of powers. He expressed frustration that a bipartisan Senate agreement to pay TSA workers had been blocked by the Republican House, prolonging the crisis.
### Democratic Divisions and Accountability Measures
The discussion turned to internal Democratic party dynamics, particularly regarding three Democrats who supported the House Republican version of the funding bill despite lacking new accountability measures for ICE. One of those Democrats, Congresswoman Marie Glusenkamp Perez, argued that withholding pay from federal workers was wrong and that Democrats' demands were ideologically driven and unrealistic.
Himes countered that this was not about ideological purity but about enforcing basic legal standards. He reiterated that demands such as requiring ICE agents to wear badges, obtain warrants for searches, and avoid military-style tactics were reasonable and largely agreed upon in principle. However, he stressed the importance of codifying these practices into law rather than relying on executive promises, which he suggested were not trustworthy.
Acknowledging the negative impact of shutdowns on federal workers, Himes conceded that the political tactic of using shutdowns to achieve legislative goals was problematic and damaging. Nonetheless, he maintained that the public broadly supported the Democrats' stance on restraining ICE's conduct.
### U.S. Diplomacy with Iran and Regional Security Concerns
Brennan shifted the conversation to foreign policy, particularly U.S. relations with Iran. Himes expressed skepticism about the President's claims of engaging in negotiations with Iran, suggesting that the administration was not negotiating in good faith. He highlighted the strategic leverage Iran has gained, such as control over the Strait of Hormuz and rising gasoline prices, which he viewed as evidence that Iran was dictating terms rather than engaging in meaningful talks.
Though mediators in Islamabad reportedly are in contact with both sides, neither the U.S. nor Iran is presently at the negotiating table, raising questions about the status of diplomacy.
### Russia's Support for Iran and the Ukraine Conflict
Himes also addressed concerns raised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently alleged that Russia was providing Iran with satellite imagery of U.S. military bases, as well as signals and electronic intelligence. While Himes refrained from discussing classified intelligence in detail, he did not dispute Zelensky's claims. He urged the American public to consider Russia's motives, noting that despite U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Moscow continues to bolster Iran's military capabilities.
He criticized the current situation in which Iranian oil sales to China fund the purchase of drones from Russia, which then support attacks on Ukrainian and U.S. forces, creating a complex and troubling cycle of conflict financing. Himes expressed disbelief at the unfolding geopolitical dynamics, likening them to a convoluted scenario fit for a Hollywood script.
### Contrasting Views on Russian-Iranian Cooperation
The Congressman also responded to comments from Secretary Marco Rubio, who downplayed the significance of Russian aid to Iran in the conflict. Himes suggested that Rubio's stance was politically motivated, as Rubio has been a prominent supporter of the war in Ukraine. He disagreed with the minimization of the threat, citing Russia's satellite technology capabilities, which can track U.S. military assets, and the resulting security challenges faced by American forces in the region.
### Ethics Issues Within the Democratic Party
In the final segment, Brennan brought up ethics questions within the Democratic Party, referencing Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, who was found guilty on 25 ethics charges related to the misappropriation of millions in COVID relief funds. She asked whether Cherfilus-McCormick should resign or face expulsion.
Himes responded that if the congresswoman does not resign voluntarily, the House will likely hold a vote on the matter. He drew a parallel to the Republicans' handling of ethics issues, mentioning former Representative George Santos as an example of partisan inconsistency. Himes expressed hope that Cherfilus-McCormick would resign to avoid further divisiveness, emphasizing the importance of both parties enforcing ethical standards within their ranks, especially during critical times of national challenge.
### Conclusion
Throughout the interview, Congressman Jim Himes articulated the Democratic perspective on several contentious issues, highlighting the ongoing struggles over immigration enforcement, fiscal responsibility, foreign policy, and ethical governance. He underscored the need for ICE to conform to standard police practices, criticized the President's funding maneuvers during the shutdown, expressed doubts about the administration's Iran diplomacy, acknowledged the complex role of Russia in supporting Iran, and called for consistent accountability in addressing ethics violations within Congress.
Himes's remarks reflect the broader political debates shaping the current landscape in Washington, where legislative gridlock, foreign policy challenges, and internal party divisions continue to test the functioning of American democracy.