Shutdown Update 2-18-26

Yes, based on reports from February 12–14, 2026, the U.S. Senate failed to pass a funding measure, leading to a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that began on Saturday, February 14, 2026. 

The Vote: On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Senate voted 52-47 against advancing a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. This failed to meet the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.

The Cause: Senate Democrats blocked the measure, demanding, reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following shootings in Minneapolis.

The Shutdown: As a result of the failed vote and Congress entering a recess, funding for DHS expired at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Impact: This partial shutdown specifically impacts the Department of Homeland Security, including agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Border Patrol. 

While this is the second funding lapse in early 2026—following a previous shutdown that ended in early February—it is more limited in scope, focusing on the impasse over DHS funding. 

As of mid-February 2026, the U.S. Senate has not voted "for" a shutdown; rather, it failed to pass a funding bill, which triggered a partial government shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Current status of the February 2026 fiscal situation:

Partial DHS Shutdown: A shutdown specifically for the DHS began at midnight on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after the Senate failed to advance a funding measure.

Failed Senate Vote: On Thursday, February 12, a procedural vote to advance a year-long DHS funding bill failed 52-47, falling short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster.

Wider Government Status: The rest of the federal government remains fully funded through September 30, 2026, after a $1.2 trillion appropriations package was signed on February 3.

Reason for Impasse: Negotiations stalled over Democratic demands for reforms to ICE and CBP enforcement practices following high-profile incidents in Minneapolis.

Congressional Recess: Both the House and Senate left Washington for a scheduled recess following the failed vote, ensuring the DHS funding lapse would continue through at least mid-February. 

While the DHS is technically "shut down," most of its law enforcement and security personnel (such as TSA and Border Patrol) are considered essential and continue to work, though they may face delays in receiving full paychecks if the impasse persists into March. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=has+the+us+senate+voted+for+a+shutdown+in+february+2026+google+ai

In early 2026, as a partial government shutdown involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began, some Senate Republicans and allies of President Donald Trump pushed for a "talking filibuster" (or standing filibuster) to bypass the 60-vote threshold, aiming to end the stalemate with a 51% simple majority vote. This proposal emerged as an alternative to completely abolishing the filibuster, requiring Democrats to physically hold the floor and debate to block legislation. 

Key Details on the 2026 Proposal

The Goal: To pass a House-approved, Trump-backed voter ID/border security bill (SAVE Act) and end the shutdown of DHS, which began after Democrats withheld votes to force negotiations.

The Mechanism: The proposal seeks to change Senate rules to require a "talking filibuster." Instead of the modern, quiet, procedural 60-vote threshold, Democrats would be forced to hold the floor to block action, a method that would eventually allow Republicans to force a vote with a simple majority (50+ votes).

Support & Opposition: Senators like Mike Lee (R-Utah) indicated many colleagues were open to this, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) previously stated there were not enough votes within the GOP conference to "nuke" the filibuster entirely.

Context: This follows a 43-day, wide-ranging government shutdown in late 2025 where Trump strongly urged the "nuclear option" (ending the 60-vote rule entirely), a move that failed due to resistance from multiple Senate Republicans. 

Differences from Previous Shutdowns
Unlike the 43-day, 2025 shutdown which affected all federal agencies, the early 2026 DHS shutdown was narrower, as other departments were funded, notes the New York Times. However, the procedural fight over the 60-vote threshold remained a key point of conflict between the GOP-controlled Senate and Senate Democrats. 

As of February 17, 2026, Senate Republicans are discussing a "talking filibuster" as a potential strategy to break a legislative deadlock linked to a partial government shutdown. 

The "Talking Filibuster" Proposal

While not a formal rule change yet, the proposal involves forcing a "standing" or "talking" filibuster. This would require Democrats to physically hold the Senate floor and speak continuously to maintain their obstruction. 

The 51% (Simple Majority) Goal: Proponents, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), argue that if Republicans can maintain a 51-senator "live quorum" on the floor while waiting out Democratic speeches, they could eventually force an up-or-down vote on a simple majority basis.

Status of the Rule: Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has expressed skepticism, stating there are "not even close" to enough votes to formally "nuke" the 60-vote threshold, but he has not ruled out a conversation on using a talking filibuster to advance the SAVE Act. 

Context: The 2026 Government Shutdown

The U.S. entered a limited government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on February 14, 2026. 

Affected Agencies: The shutdown only impacts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the TSA, FEMA, and Border Patrol. All other 11 federal appropriations bills have been funded for the fiscal year.

Cause of Deadlock: Democrats blocked a continuing resolution for DHS funding, demanding reforms for federal immigration agents following recent controversial incidents.

Current State: Congress is currently on a scheduled one-week recess, meaning no vote to end the shutdown is expected before members return. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=senate+republicans+proposing+a+talking+filibuster+to+lead+to+a+51%25+vote+to+end+the+shutdown+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US College Loan Debt 2-18-26

As of early 2026, total U.S. student loan debt is approximately $1.77 trillion to $1.83 trillion, with roughly 43–45 million borrowers. The average federal student loan debt is around $37,000–$39,500 per borrower. Mounting distress has led to significant delinquency, with millions of borrowers in default or severely behind on payments.  

Key statistics for 2026 include:

Total Debt: Estimates range between $1.7 trillion and $1.83 trillion, encompassing federal and private loans.

Borrower Distress: Over 12 million borrowers are in default or delinquent, facing a potential "default cliff".

Average Debt: The average total student loan debt is approximately $43,333.

Policy Changes: Starting July 2026, new loan limits for graduate and professional students will be implemented ($20,500–$50,000 per year) to curb rising debt.

Default Data: Over 3.6 million borrowers have defaulted since January 2025, with $92+ billion in defaulted debt. 

The Education Data Initiative highlights that student loan debt continues to be a major financial burden for many, with 25% of adults aged 18 to 29 reporting student debt. 

Key Debt Statistics for 2026

Total National Debt: Approximately $1.77 trillion as of May 2026, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Borrower Count: Roughly 42.7 million to 45 million Americans hold student loan debt.

Average Debt per Borrower:

The average balance for a borrower with a bachelor's degree is $35,530.

The average federal student loan balance is $39,547.

Generational Breakdown:

Generation X: Highest average balance at $44,240.

Millennials: Largest share of total debt, with an average balance of $40,438.

Generation Z: Fastest-growing segment, though with a lower average balance of $22,948. 

Major Policy and Regulatory Changes in 2026

Significant changes to federal student loans are scheduled for July 2026 under new legislation: 

New Borrowing Caps: Starting July 1, 2026, new annual federal loan limits will be introduced for certain borrowers:

Graduate Students: Capped at $20,500 per year with a $100,000 aggregate limit.

Professional Students: Capped at $50,000 per year with a $200,000 aggregate limit.

Parent PLUS Loans: Capped at $20,000 per year per student, with a $65,000 lifetime limit.

Repayment Plan Shifts: New borrowers after July 2026 may be automatically enrolled in the Repayment

Assistance Plan (RAP) or the Standard plan. Existing borrowers who take out new loans after this date may also be required to consolidate under these new rules.

Interest Rates: Estimates for the 2025-2026 academic year suggest a slight decrease, with undergraduate rates projected at 6.39% and graduate rates at 7.94%. 

Economic Outlook

While total debt continues to rise, the federal government's fiscal cost for new loans is projected to drop significantly due to these reforms. However, delinquency remains a concern, with roughly 12 million borrowers reported as delinquent or in default by early 2026. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+us+college+loan+debt+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Credit Card Debt 2-18-26

As of February 2026, total U.S. credit card debt has hit a new record high of $1.28 trillion, according to reports from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on Q4 2025 data. 

Here are the key details regarding U.S. credit card debt in early 2026: 

Record High: The $1.28 trillion figure represents a $44 billion increase in just three months, signaling continued growth in borrowing.

Year-over-Year Increase: Credit card balances are up 5.5% compared to the same period in 2024–2025.

Driver of Debt: The rise is largely attributed to consumers using credit to manage higher living costs and essential expenses.

High Interest Rates: Despite potential future Federal Reserve rate cuts, consumers are still facing elevated borrowing costs, with average APRs often exceeding 20%.

Delinquency Trends: Delinquency rates have moved higher, particularly among younger and lower-income borrowers, reflecting financial stress in a "K-shaped" economy.

2026 Projections: While debt has reached this new peak, some projections suggest that the annual growth rate of credit card debt may slow to around 2.3% for the full year of 2026. 

The data highlights a significant "K-shaped" divide, where lower-income households are facing increased pressure while higher-income consumers may be faring better. 

As of February 2026, total U.S. credit card debt has reached a record high of $1.28 trillion. This milestone follows a steady increase throughout 2025, during which debt grew by approximately $740 billion across all household categories. 

Key 2026 Credit Card Debt Statistics

Total Outstanding Balance: $1.28 trillion as of February 2026.

Average Debt per Household: Approximately $9,148.

Average Debt per Individual: Roughly $6,523.

Average Interest Rate (APR): Projected to hover around 19.4% to 19.8% throughout 2026, down slightly from 2025 highs due to anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. 

Economic Outlook and Trends for 2026

Slowest Growth Since 2013: Experts at TransUnion project that credit card balances will grow by only 2.3% in 2026, the smallest annual increase in over a decade (excluding the first year of the pandemic).

Stabilizing Delinquencies: Serious delinquency rates (90+ days past due) are expected to remain relatively flat, inching from 2.56% to 2.57% by year-end 2026.

K-Shaped Financial Stress: While overall debt levels are stabilizing, financial distress is deepening for lower-income households. New York Fed data shows that mortgage and credit card delinquencies are increasingly concentrated in lower-income areas.

Generation with Highest Debt: Generation X (ages 45–60) continues to carry the highest average balances, reaching approximately $9,600 per person.

Persistent Balances: Approximately 70% of credit card users expected to carry their 2025 holiday debt well into 2026. 

For personalized debt management, you can use tools like the Bankrate Debt Payoff Calculator to estimate repayment timelines based on current interest rates. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+us+credit+card+debt+2026+google+ai

Comments

To avoid excessive credit card interest costs, card holders should stop paying the “minimum payment” and pay off the entire card balance.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Lowering Credit Card Debt 2-18-26

Yes, as of January 2026, President Donald Trump is proposing a 10% cap on credit card interest rates for one year, starting on January 20, 2026. This proposal is designed to address record-high credit card debt, which exceeded $1.2 trillion in the third quarter of 2025. 

Here are the key details regarding this proposal as of mid-February 2026: 

The Proposal: Trump announced in January 2026 that he is calling for a temporary 10% cap on interest rates for one year to provide relief to consumers facing rates that often exceed 20% to 30%.

Action Taken: While initially framed as a direct demand on credit card companies, Trump has since urged Congress to pass legislation to enact this 10% cap.

Industry Response: Banking industry leaders, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, have warned that such a cap could be an "economic disaster," likely restricting credit access for millions of Americans with lower credit scores.

Potential Consequences: Critics argue that if the cap is implemented, banks might reduce credit limits, raise fees, or stop issuing cards to riskier borrowers.

Support: Despite banking opposition, the idea has gained some bipartisan attention, with a similar 5-year cap bill introduced in the Senate. 

The proposal is intended to significantly reduce the interest burden on American households, but its implementation faces challenges, as experts suggest it would likely require act of Congress to be enforced. 

Yes, as of early 2026, President Trump has actively called for a one-year 10% cap on credit card interest rates. This proposal, which he originally floated during his 2024 campaign, aims to provide financial relief to Americans facing record-high credit card debt. 

Status of the Proposal

Effective Date: Trump initially called for the cap to begin on January 20, 2026, the first anniversary of his second inauguration.

Method of Implementation: While the administration initially pressured banks to comply voluntarily, Trump has since urged Congress to pass legislation to make the 10% cap legally binding.

Legislative Action: A bipartisan bill, the 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act, was introduced in the 119th Congress, but it has faced significant hurdles. 

Key Perspectives

Support: Proponents, including some populist Republicans and progressive Democrats like Sen. Bernie Sanders, argue the cap would save consumers roughly $100 billion per year in interest payments.

Opposition: The banking industry and some economists warn the cap would be an "economic disaster," potentially forcing banks to drastically reduce credit availability for up to 80% of Americans, particularly those with lower credit scores.

Industry Response: While most major banks have resisted, some fintech companies like Bilt have begun offering new cards that voluntarily meet the 10% interest rate target. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+trump+considering+lowering+us+credit+card+debt+to+10%25+in+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Catholic Schools 2-17-26

In 1960, there were approximately 12,893 to nearly 13,000 Catholic schools in the United States, serving a peak population of over 5 million students. These institutions, which included both elementary and secondary schools, represented the height of Catholic school enrollment in the U.S. before a significant decline in subsequent decades.  

Key details:

Total Schools (Fall 1960): 12,893, including 10,501 elementary schools.

Peak Enrollment: During the early-to-mid 1960s, these schools served over 5 million students.

Context: These numbers reflect the high point of Catholic education in the U.S., supported by a large number of religious sisters teaching in the schools. 

In 1960, there were 12,893 Catholic schools in the United States. This period marked the beginning of a decade where Catholic education reached its historic peak in terms of both the number of institutions and student enrollment. 

Key Statistics for 1960

Total Schools: 12,893

Elementary Schools: 10,501

Secondary Schools: 2,392

Total Enrollment: Approximately 5.2 million students 

Historical Context

System Peak: The system reached its absolute high point shortly after 1960. By 1964–1965, the number of schools grew to approximately 13,500 to 14,000, educating roughly 12% of all U.S. school children.

Decline: Starting in the mid-1960s, enrollment began a steady decline as Catholic families moved to the suburbs and the number of religious sisters (who provided low-cost labor) decreased.

Comparison to Today: As of 2024, there are roughly 5,900 Catholic schools in the U.S. serving about 1.7 million students—a decrease of more than 50% in school count since the 1960 peak. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+catholic+schools+were+there+in+the+us+in+1960+google+ai

The number of Catholic schools in the United States grew dramatically between 1840 and 1960, expanding from a few hundred in the mid-19th century to nearly 13,000 schools by the 1960–1961 school year. 

Growth Timeline and Key Statistics (1840–1960)

1840: There were roughly 200 Catholic schools in the first half of the 1800s. In New York, for example, only eight Catholic schools existed around 1840.

1900: The number of schools grew to approximately 3,500 to 5,000.

1920: The number of Catholic elementary schools reached 6,551.

1960: By the fall of 1960, the number of schools reached 12,893, including 2,392 secondary schools.

Peak (Mid-1960s): Catholic school enrollment peaked around 1965 with over 13,500 schools and 5.6 million children. 

Key Factors in Expansion

Immigration: The massive influx of Catholic immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries created a demand for parochial education.

Religious Sisters: The growth was largely driven by the work of religious sisters, with over 40,000 sisters teaching in parish schools by 1900.

Parish System: The Church mandated that every parish have a school, leading to a rapid, decentralized expansion of schools.

Baby Boom: The post-World War II, baby boom era saw a surge in enrollment, with 4.5 million elementary students in Catholic schools by the mid-1960s. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+catholic+schools+were+established+in+the+us+from+1840+to+1960+google+ai

Comments

I graduated from a Catholic Parish Elementary School in 1957. The one block property included a well maintained School, Church, Rectory for Priests and a Convent for Nuns. Tuition was free. Church attendance was high. Funding was provided by donations. 

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Vatican II 2-17-26

Vatican II (1962–1965) played a significant, albeit partly indirect, role in the decline of Catholic hospitals and schools by triggering a rapid transformation in the personnel, financial structure, and institutional identity of the Catholic Church. While not intentionally causing a decline, the implementation of reforms, often termed the "spirit of Vatican II," accelerated the exodus of religious sisters—who were the backbone of these institutions—and contributed to a broader cultural shift that diminished the "distinctively Catholic" identity of schools and hospitals.  

Key roles and impacts included:

Collapse in Religious Vocations (Supply-Side Shock): The most direct impact was the dramatic decline in the number of women religious (nuns) following the Council. Between 1966 and 1980, the number of Catholic sisters dropped by more than 30%. Because religious sisters were paid significantly less than lay employees, their rapid departure (often to pursue new, more "outward-facing" ministries) created severe financial constraints.

Financial Crisis and School Closures: The loss of the low-cost, dedicated workforce of nuns forced many Catholic schools to either close or drastically increase tuition by hiring lay teachers. Between 1965 and 1995, Catholic elementary schools in the U.S. decreased by over 35%, and secondary schools by nearly 50%.

"Universal Call to Holiness" and Shift in Mission: Vatican II emphasized the "universal call to holiness," suggesting that sanctity was not solely for those in religious life. While empowering the laity, this also contributed to a decline in traditional religious vocations. Furthermore, as schools and hospitals began losing their distinctively Catholic character to become more mainstream or "modern," they often lost the unique, religiously motivated support base that had built them.

Secularization of Institutions: Some analysts argue that post-Vatican II, there was a "concise effort" to align with modern secular culture, which caused a decline in adherence to Catholic doctrine and a "loosening" of the institutional commitment to operating schools and hospitals under strict Catholic identity.

Transition to Lay Leadership: The decline in nuns necessitated a transition to lay leadership and management in both hospitals and schools. While intended to empower laity, this transition often brought new administrative, financial, and cultural challenges that contributed to the "consolidation" (merger or closure) of institutions. 

Contextual Nuance
While some research suggests Vatican II was the "trigger" for this decline, others note that the trend was already starting before the council, and that cultural factors (such as the sexual revolution and the contraception debate) also heavily contributed. 

Vatican II (1962–1965) played a significant role in the decline of Catholic hospitals and schools by triggering a rapid loss of religious personnel, which undermined the financial and operational foundations of these institutions. While broader secularization and demographic shifts were also factors, researchers have found that the decline was uniquely acute for Catholic institutions immediately following the Council. 

Key Impacts of Vatican II on Institutions

Decline in Religious Vocations: The Council's emphasis on the "universal call to holiness" suggested that one did not need to enter religious life to be holy, contributing to a sharp drop in new vocations and an exodus of existing sisters and brothers.

Financial Strain from Lay Staffing: Previously, religious sisters and brothers provided nearly free labor. Their departure forced schools and hospitals to hire lay staff at much higher market wages—lay teachers were paid approximately three times more than religious staff—leading to severe financial constraints and subsequent closures.

Shift in Institutional Focus: Many religious orders, following the Council's call for renewal, moved away from running large institutional schools and hospitals to return to original missions of serving the poor directly or engaging in social justice ministries.

Loss of Institutional Identity: The "shattering" of the perception of an unchanging Church led some Catholic families to leave the parochial system, with school enrollment dropping by over 50% between 1965 and 1995. 

Statistical Decline Post-1962

Catholic Schools: Enrollment in U.S. parochial schools plummeted from approximately 5.6 million in 1965 to around 1.7 million by 2025. Elementary school numbers decreased by 35.4% and secondary schools by 49.1% in the decades following the Council.

Catholic Hospitals: The number of Catholic hospitals peaked around 1960 at approximately 800 and has steadily declined to roughly 639 as they faced both personnel shortages and broader healthcare secularization.

Religious Personnel: Between 1966 and 1980, the number of Catholic sisters dropped by more than 30%, leaving many institutions without their traditional leadership and labor force. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+role+did+vatican+ii+play+in+the+decline+of+catholic+hospitals+and+schools+after+1962+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Occupational Education 2-17-26

Yes, in the 1960s and for decades prior, Catholic orders of nuns generally paid for the education and training of their members to become teachers and nurses. This was part of the traditional communal, non-profit model of religious life where, upon taking vows, a sister's expenses were covered by her community (the congregation or order).  

How Education Was Funded and Conducted

Sponsorship by the Order: After the novitiate (formation) period, religious communities would send sisters to college, nursing school, or university to obtain necessary certifications and degrees.

In-House Training: Many orders operated their own colleges, junior colleges, and nursing schools, allowing them to train their members efficiently to staff parochial schools and hospitals.

"Contributed Services": While the order paid for the education, the sisters worked for very little to no personal income, with their salaries (stipends) being significantly lower than lay workers, often just covering their living expenses. This model allowed the church to maintain a large network of schools and hospitals, especially during the post-war boom.

Shift in the 1960s: The 1960s marked a transition period. While orders still invested in training, the rising costs of education and the decline in the number of nuns after Vatican II (1962–1965) made this model harder to sustain. 

Contextual Factors

Role in Schools & Hospitals: In the 1960s, a large majority of Catholic school teachers were members of religious orders. Similarly, in 1960, almost every department of many Catholic hospitals was run by a nun.

Educational Advancements: By the 1960s, it was common for orders to send sisters to get advanced degrees (Master’s or PhDs) to improve the quality of education and healthcare provided.

End of an Era: The financial crisis facing convent retirement and the declining number of vocations starting in the late 1960s changed this system, causing a move away from this traditional, community-funded education model. 

In 1960, Catholic religious orders typically paid for and sponsored the education of their members to become nurses and teachers. This sponsorship was a central part of a nun's "formation"—the integrated process of spiritual and professional development. 

The funding and structure of this education were characterized by the following:

Order Sponsorship: Communities often accepted young women without degrees and "put them through college" as part of their initial training. The religious congregation covered tuition and living expenses, viewing it as an investment in their mission to staff schools and hospitals.

The Sister Formation Conference (SFC): Founded in 1954, the SFC was a major movement in the 1960s that advocated for sisters to complete their full college degrees before entering the workforce. By 1964, roughly 80% of U.S. sisters had completed at least three years of college before starting their professional service.

Dedicated Institutions: Many orders founded their own "Sisters' Colleges" or Normal Schools specifically to train their members. For example, Mount Saint Mary College was originally a teacher training school for the Dominican Sisters.

Reciprocal Economy: While the orders paid for the education, the sisters typically worked for a small stipend—often about one-quarter the salary of a lay teacher—which was then returned to the community to fund future education, healthcare, and the retirement of older sisters.

Advanced Degrees: After initial service, many orders also paid for their members to obtain graduate and doctoral degrees to serve as administrators, principals, or specialized medical staff. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=did+catholic+orders+of+nuns+pay+for+nuns+education+to+become+nurses+and+teachers+in+1960+google+ai

Comments

Vatican II ended this economic model. Nuns quit and went to work as Nurses.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader