As Congress rushes to avoid a government shutdown, Kristi Noem’s leadership at the Department of Homeland Security has become a central issue. Democratic calls for her removal have put Republicans on the defensive and cast uncertainty on any bipartisan deal.

Senate Republicans are moving to end a seven-month obstruction of President Trump’s nominees. John Thune, at the forefront of these efforts, plans to use the so-called “nuclear option” to break Chuck Schumer’s blockade and secure long-delayed confirmations.