03.19.26 News | The Daily Dip #580 - PAC Power 🏛️
Plus, self-deportation program challenged
Hello readers,
Breaking it down for you: PAC spending reframes key Illinois primary races, DHS self-deportation data leaves unresolved questions, and more.
Today’s estimated reading time is 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
- The Daily Dip Editor
Nostalgia Nerd
On this day in 1918, which system for adjusting clocks was established in the United States? (answer revealed below!)
(hint: spring forward)
Before We Dip In (TL;DR)
In today’s issue:
Outside PACs shape Democratic primaries. 💸
Self-deportation plan faces fresh scrutiny. 🔎
Lawmakers split over Mullin’s hearing. 🏛️
Plus, take today’s poll and check out the Nostalgia Nerd quiz answer down below!
LAW & POLICY ⚖️
Primary Pressure
Illinois primary results are drawing attention to the growing role of outside spending and how it may shape the Democratic Party’s direction ahead of the midterms.
Several candidates backed by major outside groups, including AIPAC and industry-linked PACs, secured key wins, with millions spent on competitive races. The move reflects broader concerns about how large-scale funding from political action committees and industry groups can influence campaign messaging and candidate positioning.
Progressive Democrats argue heavy outside spending can shift the party away from left-leaning priorities, especially on foreign policy. Critics say it blurs ideological differences and raises donor influence concerns, while centrists call it typical coalition politics and many on the right see it as evidence of Democratic divisions and the power of well-funded groups.
Attention now turns to general election matchups and remaining primaries, where outside spending is expected to remain a major factor. The outcomes could influence party alignment on issues like foreign policy and regulation, as well as broader electoral strategy heading into the midterms.
LAW & ORDER ⚖️
Departure Debate
DHS’s self-deportation program is facing scrutiny after participation figures fell short of earlier claims, raising questions about its effectiveness and cost.
DHS launched the CBP Home app in March 2025 and rolled out Project Homecoming in May, offering free travel and a stipend that later increased from $1,000 to $2,600. Internal figures reviewed by media outlets show about 72,000 participants, many already in immigration detention, compared to earlier claims that millions had left.
Supporters on the right say the program can save enforcement resources and provide a structured path for voluntary departures. Critics on the left and in the center argue participants may face pressure to leave and say DHS has not provided sufficient evidence to support broader claims.
The next phase will test whether DHS expands, revises, or scales back the program under new leadership. Congress, watchdogs, and researchers are expected to seek clearer data on costs, participation, and whether the incentives are changing departure trends.
Dipper Poll
:📈 Today’s Poll: Homecoming Hurdles
After nearly a billion dollars spent, DHS’s “Project Homecoming” is facing major questions about transparency and effectiveness. New reports suggest participation numbers are far lower than initially claimed and that many who used the program were already in detention. Now, leadership may have to decide whether to fix it, expand it, or move on entirely.
If you were at DHS in charge of Project Homecoming, what would your next step be?
POLITICS 🏛️
Mullin Moment
Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation hearing to lead DHS highlighted concerns about leadership style, qualifications, and how he would approach law enforcement authority.
During his Senate hearing, Mullin faced questions over past comments appearing to justify political violence and his responses to law enforcement incidents. He acknowledged at least one past misstatement and said he would follow legal standards if confirmed, while also defending some prior positions and declining to directly address certain issues, including the 2020 election outcome.
Democrats focused on his past rhetoric and responses as raising concerns about judgment and oversight of federal agencies. Republicans largely emphasized his alignment with the administration and policy goals, while some lawmakers across the spectrum raised questions about experience, qualifications, and independence from executive direction.
The Senate will decide whether to confirm Mullin as DHS secretary, where he would oversee immigration enforcement, disaster response, and domestic security. If confirmed, his tenure could influence agency priorities, internal policies, and broader debates over executive authority and accountability.
Fun Facts
🧬 Biology: Some bacteria like Thermus aquaticus can survive near-boiling water temperatures. Extreme survival skills unlocked.
🌫 Atmosphere: Ball lightning is a mysterious glowing orb sometimes seen during thunderstorms. Storms really like drama.
🥜 Culinary: Peanuts aren’t technically nuts, they’re legumes. Your PB&J just got a biology upgrade.
🤨 WTF: There’s a liquid substance called ferrofluid that reacts to magnets like it’s alive. Steve Papell invented it at NASA in 1963 to help fuel flow in weightless rockets.
Today’s Quiz Answer
Daylight Saving Time
On March 19, 1918, the United States enacted the Standard Time Act of 1918, which officially introduced Daylight Saving Time. The goal was to conserve fuel and energy during World War I by making better use of daylight hours. This law also standardized time zones across the country for the first time. Although the practice faced opposition, especially from agricultural sectors, it proved useful during wartime. It was later repealed but brought back during World War II. Today, many countries still observe Daylight Saving Time, though debates about its effectiveness continue.
Poll Results From March 18, 2026
Did you take today’s poll?
Show Notes
Looking for more specific details on each story? Click here for the full show notes for yesterday’s PDS episode.
Over and Out...
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