by Michael Scurry
After a 40-day partial shutdown, the Senate backs a funding deal for Homeland Security to ease severe airport disruptions, while excluding immigration enforcement agencies from the package
The US Senate has voted to approve emergency funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aiming to bring an end to weeks of disruption at airports nationwide following a prolonged partial government shutdown. The agreement, reached unanimously in the early hours of Friday, notably excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of border protection.
The nearly six-week funding lapse has had widespread consequences for air travel. Tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers — whose salaries are paid through DHS — have been working without pay since mid-February. The financial strain has led to reduced attendance and a wave of resignations, severely impacting airport operations.
Passengers across the United States have faced long delays and overcrowded terminals. At Houston Airport, travellers reported waiting hours in winding queues, only to encounter additional lines near security checkpoints. According to local aviation officials, only between one-third and half of TSA screening lanes are currently operational.
The Senate’s decision follows a standoff between Republicans and Democrats, with the latter refusing to approve funding without reforms to ICE. The compromise was reached by removing immigration enforcement provisions from the bill, allowing critical DHS functions — including airport security — to be funded separately.
President Donald Trump signalled support for immediate relief measures, stating he would issue an executive order to ensure TSA agents receive back pay. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticised Democrats for prolonging the impasse, arguing that piecemeal funding is not a sustainable approach to managing national security agencies.
Democrats, however, defended their position, citing concerns over ICE practices. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasised that lawmakers would not approve what he described as a “blank cheque” for agencies accused of misconduct. Recent controversies, including fatal incidents involving federal agents in Minneapolis, have intensified scrutiny of ICE operations.
Proposed reforms include banning the use of masks by agents, prohibiting racial profiling, and requiring judicial warrants for entry into private property — measures Democrats insist must be addressed in any future funding deal.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where its passage is required before the funding can take effect. Lawmakers hope swift approval will help restore normal operations at airports and prevent further disruption to travellers.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
L’articolo US Senate Approves DHS Funding to End Airport Chaos, Leaves ICE Out proviene da Associated Medias.
