Senate Nears Deal to Fund DHS Amid Widespread Airport Delays During Shutdown

In Brief

Prolonged airport wait times and unpaid TSA staff are pressuring lawmakers to resolve the partial Homeland Security shutdown.

Key Facts

• Senate Republicans are considering a deal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE enforcement and removal operations.
• TSA lines at airports across the U.S. have grown significantly longer during the shutdown, with some travelers waiting up to four hours.
• Airport announcements in Houston advised passengers with flights within four hours to consider rebooking due to delays.
• The proposed funding deal would restore pay for TSA workers but leave ICE enforcement unfunded, according to reports.
• Travelers have reported missing flights despite arriving hours early, with one account describing a missed 7 a.m. flight after arriving at 3 a.m.

What Happened

Lawmakers are negotiating a deal to end the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has led to extended TSA lines and unpaid airport staff. The Senate proposal would fund most DHS operations but exclude ICE enforcement activities.

Why It Matters

The shutdown has disrupted air travel nationwide, causing significant delays and frustration for travelers while raising concerns about airport security and worker pay. Congressional action on DHS funding could impact both travel conditions and immigration enforcement.

What's Next

Senators are expected to continue negotiations on the funding proposal. If a deal is reached, most DHS operations, including TSA, may resume normal activity, but ICE enforcement funding would remain unresolved.