Partial Resolution Reached Amid Shutdown Fallout
The U.S. Senate has moved forward with a deal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), finally addressing the partial government shutdown that has left essential TSA workers without pay for weeks. The deal, however, notably excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol operations, a point of contention that has fueled the ongoing dispute.
Any deal they make, I'm pretty much not happy with it.
President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, particularly because it does not include the SAVE America Act, a bill unrelated to DHS funding but tied to his broader policy priorities. The shutdown, which began on February 14, has severely impacted airport operations, with TSA workers calling out sick or quitting en masse, leading to historic wait times.
TSA Workers Set to Return, ICE Funding Left Out
The Senate's deal, which passed a procedural vote on March 27, includes funding for TSA workers, FEMA, and the Coast Guard. However, the exclusion of ICE and Border Patrol funding underscores the deep divide over immigration enforcement. The proposal must now go to the House of Representatives for approval before reaching Trump's desk.
Ha Nguyen McNeill, a top TSA official, testified before Congress on March 25, revealing that the agency has lost over 480 officers since the shutdown began, exacerbating staffing shortages. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines suspended some specialty services for Congress members, citing the shutdown's impact.
The Senate's move comes after an earlier attempt at a deal fell apart on March 25, leaving essential workers in limbo. While the current proposal offers relief for TSA staff, the exclusion of ICE and Border Patrol funding signals that the broader immigration debate remains unresolved.