Republicans in the House reject a Senate proposal for DHS funding, leading to continued shutdown impacts on air travel and TSA agents.
House Republicans in the US House of Representatives rejected a bipartisan Senate deal aimed at reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), extending a partial government shutdown that has disrupted airport operations.
The Senate had approved a bill to fund most of DHS while excluding certain immigration agency funds to gain Democratic support. However, Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the Senate bill a "joke" and led House Republicans to pass a different measure instead.
House Approves Alternative Funding Plan
The House passed a bill in a 213 to 203 vote that would fund DHS at current levels for 60 days, including support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaker Johnson stated that Republicans would not support any effort to reopen borders or halt immigration enforcement.
This rejection means the Senate must reconsider the House's version, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declared it "dead on arrival," highlighting ongoing partisan divides.
TSA agents, who handle airport security, have been working without pay for over a month, leading to reduced staffing and long queues at US airports. Around 50,000 agents are affected, with only a third to 50% of checkpoints operational, as reported by Jim Szczesniak of the Houston Airport System.
President Trump's Intervention
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA agents, with the DHS announcing that officers could receive paychecks as early as March 30. This action aims to address immediate disruptions but may face legal challenges, as Congress holds authority over federal spending.
The shutdown has caused widespread travel chaos, including hours-long security lines, and has prompted calls for reforms such as ending ICE agent masks and requiring warrants for property entries, as pushed by Democrats.
