Senators took a light-hearted break from partisan gridlock Wednesday with a parade of dogs dressed in Mardi Gras costumes marching through the Hart Senate Office Building atrium. The annual bipartisan event, dubbed "Doggi Gras" this year, was organized by retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) amid an ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Hosted by Tillis, who is leaving the Senate after two terms in January 2027, the parade drew cheers for participants like Sen. Jim Justice's (R-W.Va.) bulldog Babydog, adorned in beads and streamers. Babydog, a Capitol Hill favorite known for past birthday celebrations, received loud applause from onlookers. Justice, attending the event, expressed willingness to succeed Tillis as host. "If Senator Tillis wants to pass the torch on to me, I’d take it in a second," Justice said, joking about providing chicken nuggets for attendees and co-hosting with Babydog. Tillis called Justice "on the short list" for the role, praising Babydog as "the most recognizable dog in Washington, D.C."

The parade comes one week into the second DHS shutdown of 2026, which began February 14 after Congress failed to pass funding legislation. Democrats have repeatedly blocked bills, including a 50-45 Senate vote Tuesday to advance a House-passed measure, citing the need for reforms to federal immigration enforcement. The impasse stems from the January 24 killing of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection agents in Minneapolis, prompting Democratic demands for measures like judicial warrants for property searches, bans on agent masks and paramilitary gear, body cameras, and independent investigations of misconduct.

Negotiations have stalled, with no formal meetings between congressional leaders and the White House. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) described talks as parties "going back and forth and trying to hit the landing spot," with no deal expected this week. The first DHS-related shutdown lasted from January 31 to February 3, resolved via a short-term continuing resolution signed by President Trump.

Impacts from the current 13-day shutdown remain limited, as about 60 percent of DHS funding comes from mandatory sources, fees, and prior appropriations. However, Global Entry applications were briefly suspended before reversal, TSA PreCheck faced a short suspension, and non-disaster FEMA responses and Coast Guard operations could face strains soon. Immigration services may see delays, though core enforcement continues via last year's Republican megabill.

Unlike last year's government shutdown, which canceled Tillis's Halloween-themed "Bipawtisan Howl-o-ween Dog Parade," this year's event proceeded, offering a momentary bipartisan respite. As the shutdown drags on, the parade highlighted just how out-of-touch legislators can appear.