DHS funding bill passes Senate amid airport chaos as Donald Trump signs order addressing TSA pay concerns nationwide
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Mar 27, 2026, 22:40 IST
House weighs next steps for bill to fund most of Homeland Security but not immigration enforcement
In a significant step, lawmakers have successfully navigated the budget stalemate, securing funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate has passed a vital bill that allows President Trump to directly compensate TSA agents, alleviating financial strains for numerous federal employees who have been working without pay.
The House is considering legislation to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security after the Senate passed a measure to end a 42-day budget impasse that has disrupted airports and impacted federal workers. The Senate unanimously approved the bill, which could be taken up by the House as early as Friday, though Speaker Mike Johnson stated he would consult with Republicans first. President Donald Trump announced he would sign an order to immediately pay TSA agents to stop "Chaos at the Airports," a move that bypasses the need for congressional funding for this specific group. This deal, however, does not include the restraints Democrats sought on the president's immigration agenda.
The Senate's action comes amid mounting pressure to resolve the shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers without paychecks. The agreement reached in the Senate would fund significant portions of the department, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, and the TSA. Notably, it does not include funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Border Patrol.
Democrats successfully blocked additional funding for ICE and the Border Patrol, but they did not secure new limitations on immigration enforcement. Immigration enforcement operations have largely continued unaffected by the shutdown due to substantial funds already allocated to the Department of Homeland Security, including $75 billion for ICE operations, through a Republican-backed tax cut bill signed last year.
Conservative Republicans have expressed dissatisfaction with their party's proposals, advocating for full funding for immigration operations. Many have pledged to ensure ICE receives the necessary resources in future budget packages to support President Trump's agenda.
"We will fully fund ICE. That is what this fight is about."
"The border is closing. The next task is deportation."
Earlier on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced what he termed a "last and final" offer to Democrats. However, negotiations stalled throughout the day.
Democrats argued that the Republican proposals did not sufficiently implement safeguards for officers from ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and other federal agencies involved in immigration sweeps. These concerns were amplified following the deaths of two Americans protesting immigration actions in Minneapolis.
Democrats have called for federal agents to wear identification, remove face masks, and avoid conducting raids near schools, churches, or other sensitive locations. They have also pushed for an end to administrative warrants, insisting that judges must approve any searches of homes or private spaces. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has indicated openness to considering these proposals.
President Trump had largely deferred the issue to Congress but had warned of potential executive actions. He had threatened to deploy the National Guard to airports and had already deployed ICE agents to check travelers' IDs.
The White House had considered invoking a national emergency to pay TSA agents, a move described as politically and legally complex. Instead, President Trump's order would utilize funds from his 2025 tax bill to compensate TSA agents, according to a senior administration official.
If the Senate's funding package is approved by the House and signed into law, President Trump's announced measure to pay TSA agents might become temporary or unnecessary.
For the House to consider the bill on Friday, lawmakers will need to navigate procedural challenges. A resolution outlining the terms for debate and a vote on the bill will likely require some Democratic support, though they are proceeding cautiously.
"It sounds like, at this point, this is exactly what we asked for, so I think it would be difficult to vote against that."
The funding shutdown has led to significant travel delays and warnings of airport closures as TSA workers, missing paychecks, have opted not to report for duty. Multiple airports have reported callout rates exceeding 40% among TSA workers. Nearly 500 of the agency's approximately 50,000 transportation security officers have resigned during the shutdown. On Wednesday, over 11% of scheduled TSA employees nationwide, totaling more than 3,120 callouts, missed work, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed gratitude for the TSA workers being paid. However, he emphasized the need for Congress to remain in session to pass a comprehensive deal that funds the entire Department of Homeland Security, pays all its workers, and ensures the continued operation of these vital agencies.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, traveler Melissa Gates recounted her experience of waiting over 2½ hours without reaching the security checkpoint, ultimately missing her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She noted that no other flights were available until the following day.
"I should have just driven, right?"
"Five hours would have been hilarious next to this."
The Senate's unanimous approval of the measure to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security marks a significant development in resolving the prolonged budget stalemate. The legislation, which now moves to the House, aims to alleviate the disruptions experienced at airports and the financial strain on federal employees. Speaker Mike Johnson's consultation with fellow Republicans underscores the internal party dynamics influencing the path forward.
The Senate's decision to proceed without a roll call vote highlights a bipartisan consensus on the immediate need to address the shutdown's impact. However, the underlying disagreements regarding immigration funding and enforcement remain a point of contention, as indicated by the exclusion of ICE and Border Patrol funding from the current Senate package.
President Trump's intervention to ensure TSA agents are paid directly addresses one of the most visible consequences of the shutdown. His statement about stopping "Chaos at the Airports" reflects the administration's focus on mitigating public inconvenience. The method of payment, using funds from his 2025 tax bill, bypasses the immediate congressional appropriation process for this group.
The Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, acknowledged that while this measure opens up a significant portion of the government, further work is still required. This suggests that the broader budget negotiations and policy debates are far from over.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his party's perspective, suggesting the resolution could have been achieved sooner. He reiterated the Democratic commitment to continue opposing increased funding for what he termed Trump's "rogue" immigration operation without substantial reforms.
The specifics of the funding package reveal a compromise where certain agencies within Homeland Security receive funding, while others, particularly those involved in immigration enforcement, do not. This division reflects the intense negotiations and the differing priorities of the parties involved.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, and the TSA are among the entities that would benefit from the Senate's proposed funding. These agencies play crucial roles in disaster response, maritime security, and transportation safety, respectively.
The exclusion of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol from this package is a direct result of Democratic efforts to limit resources for immigration enforcement. This outcome represents a partial victory for Democrats in their broader strategy to influence immigration policy.
Despite the Democrats' success in blocking additional funds for ICE and the Border Patrol in this specific bill, the article notes that immigration enforcement has largely continued without interruption. This is attributed to substantial funding already provided through the 2017 tax cut bill, which allocated billions to the Department of Homeland Security, including $75 billion for ICE operations. This detail highlights the complex financial landscape and the long-term funding streams that exist outside of annual appropriations battles.
Conservative Republicans have voiced strong opposition to their party's concessions, particularly regarding the funding levels for immigration operations. Their stance underscores a segment of the Republican party that prioritizes robust immigration enforcement and views the current compromise as insufficient.
Senator Eric Schmitt's statement, "We will fully fund ICE. That is what this fight is about," encapsulates the conservative Republican position. His subsequent remark, "The border is closing. The next task is deportation," further emphasizes their agenda and their view of the current situation.
The article details the on-again, off-again nature of the negotiations, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune announcing a "last and final" offer that ultimately did not immediately resolve the stalemate. The prolonged nature of the talks reflects the deep divisions on immigration policy.
Democrats have consistently argued for stronger oversight and limitations on immigration enforcement agencies. Their demands for "guardrails" on officers from ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and other federal agencies stem from concerns about the scope and methods of immigration sweeps.
The deaths of two Americans protesting immigration actions in Minneapolis are cited as a catalyst for some of the Democratic demands, indicating a desire to prevent similar incidents and ensure more humane enforcement practices.
Specific Democratic proposals include requiring federal agents to wear identification and remove face masks, as well as prohibiting raids near schools, churches, and other sensitive locations. These are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement.
Democrats have also pushed for an end to administrative warrants, advocating for judicial review before agents can search private residences or spaces. The article notes that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has expressed openness to considering this specific proposal, suggesting a potential area for future compromise.
President Trump's role in the shutdown negotiations is characterized as one where he largely left the issue to Congress, but with a clear readiness to intervene. His threats to deploy the National Guard and his deployment of ICE agents to check traveler IDs demonstrate his willingness to use executive authority.
The White House's consideration of invoking a national emergency to pay TSA agents highlights the extraordinary measures being contemplated to address the shutdown's effects. This approach was described as "politically and legally fraught," indicating potential challenges and controversies associated with such a move.
The alternative of using funds from the 2025 tax bill to pay TSA agents, as announced by President Trump, represents a less controversial, though still significant, executive action. This method allows for immediate payment without requiring a new congressional appropriation.
The article clarifies that if the Senate's funding package is approved by the House and signed into law, President Trump's announced payment for TSA agents might be temporary or rendered unnecessary. This underscores the interconnectedness of the legislative and executive actions in resolving the crisis.
The procedural hurdles in the House for taking up the bill on Friday are significant. The need for a resolution establishing the terms of consideration, which likely requires Democratic support, introduces an element of uncertainty.
Representative Mike Thompson's cautious optimism, stating, "It sounds like, at this point, this is exactly what we asked for, so I think it would be difficult to vote against that," suggests that the Senate bill aligns with Democratic priorities on certain aspects, potentially facilitating its passage in the House.
The impact of the funding shutdown on airport operations and TSA workers is a critical element of the story. Travel delays and warnings of airport closures are direct consequences of TSA workers missing paychecks and choosing not to work.
The article provides specific data on the increased callout rates of TSA workers, with multiple airports experiencing over 40% absence rates. The nearly 500 resignations from the TSA workforce during the shutdown underscore the severe strain on agency personnel.
Nationwide, over 11% of TSA employees scheduled to work on Wednesday missed their shifts, translating to more than 3,120 callouts. This data quantifies the operational challenges faced by the agency.
The union representing TSA workers, the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed gratitude for the payment of TSA workers but stressed the ongoing need for a comprehensive funding solution. Their call for Congress to stay in session to pass a deal that funds the entire DHS and pays all its workers highlights the broader implications of the shutdown.
A personal anecdote from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston illustrates the real-world impact of the delays. Melissa Gates's inability to make her flight after a lengthy wait at security underscores the frustration and inconvenience experienced by travelers. Her remark, "I should have just driven, right?" followed by "Five hours would have been hilarious next to this," conveys the exasperation of the situation.
The report acknowledges the contributions of multiple Associated Press writers from various locations, indicating the widespread nature of the story and the collaborative effort involved in gathering information.
The Senate's action comes amid mounting pressure to resolve the shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers without paychecks. The agreement reached in the Senate would fund significant portions of the department, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, and the TSA. Notably, it does not include funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Border Patrol.
Democrats successfully blocked additional funding for ICE and the Border Patrol, but they did not secure new limitations on immigration enforcement. Immigration enforcement operations have largely continued unaffected by the shutdown due to substantial funds already allocated to the Department of Homeland Security, including $75 billion for ICE operations, through a Republican-backed tax cut bill signed last year.
Conservative Republicans have expressed dissatisfaction with their party's proposals, advocating for full funding for immigration operations. Many have pledged to ensure ICE receives the necessary resources in future budget packages to support President Trump's agenda.
"We will fully fund ICE. That is what this fight is about."
"The border is closing. The next task is deportation."
Earlier on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced what he termed a "last and final" offer to Democrats. However, negotiations stalled throughout the day.
Democrats argued that the Republican proposals did not sufficiently implement safeguards for officers from ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and other federal agencies involved in immigration sweeps. These concerns were amplified following the deaths of two Americans protesting immigration actions in Minneapolis.
Democrats have called for federal agents to wear identification, remove face masks, and avoid conducting raids near schools, churches, or other sensitive locations. They have also pushed for an end to administrative warrants, insisting that judges must approve any searches of homes or private spaces. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has indicated openness to considering these proposals.
President Trump had largely deferred the issue to Congress but had warned of potential executive actions. He had threatened to deploy the National Guard to airports and had already deployed ICE agents to check travelers' IDs.
The White House had considered invoking a national emergency to pay TSA agents, a move described as politically and legally complex. Instead, President Trump's order would utilize funds from his 2025 tax bill to compensate TSA agents, according to a senior administration official.
If the Senate's funding package is approved by the House and signed into law, President Trump's announced measure to pay TSA agents might become temporary or unnecessary.
For the House to consider the bill on Friday, lawmakers will need to navigate procedural challenges. A resolution outlining the terms for debate and a vote on the bill will likely require some Democratic support, though they are proceeding cautiously.
"It sounds like, at this point, this is exactly what we asked for, so I think it would be difficult to vote against that."
The funding shutdown has led to significant travel delays and warnings of airport closures as TSA workers, missing paychecks, have opted not to report for duty. Multiple airports have reported callout rates exceeding 40% among TSA workers. Nearly 500 of the agency's approximately 50,000 transportation security officers have resigned during the shutdown. On Wednesday, over 11% of scheduled TSA employees nationwide, totaling more than 3,120 callouts, missed work, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed gratitude for the TSA workers being paid. However, he emphasized the need for Congress to remain in session to pass a comprehensive deal that funds the entire Department of Homeland Security, pays all its workers, and ensures the continued operation of these vital agencies.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, traveler Melissa Gates recounted her experience of waiting over 2½ hours without reaching the security checkpoint, ultimately missing her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She noted that no other flights were available until the following day.
"I should have just driven, right?"
"Five hours would have been hilarious next to this."
The Senate's unanimous approval of the measure to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security marks a significant development in resolving the prolonged budget stalemate. The legislation, which now moves to the House, aims to alleviate the disruptions experienced at airports and the financial strain on federal employees. Speaker Mike Johnson's consultation with fellow Republicans underscores the internal party dynamics influencing the path forward.
The Senate's decision to proceed without a roll call vote highlights a bipartisan consensus on the immediate need to address the shutdown's impact. However, the underlying disagreements regarding immigration funding and enforcement remain a point of contention, as indicated by the exclusion of ICE and Border Patrol funding from the current Senate package.
President Trump's intervention to ensure TSA agents are paid directly addresses one of the most visible consequences of the shutdown. His statement about stopping "Chaos at the Airports" reflects the administration's focus on mitigating public inconvenience. The method of payment, using funds from his 2025 tax bill, bypasses the immediate congressional appropriation process for this group.
The Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, acknowledged that while this measure opens up a significant portion of the government, further work is still required. This suggests that the broader budget negotiations and policy debates are far from over.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his party's perspective, suggesting the resolution could have been achieved sooner. He reiterated the Democratic commitment to continue opposing increased funding for what he termed Trump's "rogue" immigration operation without substantial reforms.
The specifics of the funding package reveal a compromise where certain agencies within Homeland Security receive funding, while others, particularly those involved in immigration enforcement, do not. This division reflects the intense negotiations and the differing priorities of the parties involved.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, and the TSA are among the entities that would benefit from the Senate's proposed funding. These agencies play crucial roles in disaster response, maritime security, and transportation safety, respectively.
The exclusion of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol from this package is a direct result of Democratic efforts to limit resources for immigration enforcement. This outcome represents a partial victory for Democrats in their broader strategy to influence immigration policy.
Despite the Democrats' success in blocking additional funds for ICE and the Border Patrol in this specific bill, the article notes that immigration enforcement has largely continued without interruption. This is attributed to substantial funding already provided through the 2017 tax cut bill, which allocated billions to the Department of Homeland Security, including $75 billion for ICE operations. This detail highlights the complex financial landscape and the long-term funding streams that exist outside of annual appropriations battles.
Conservative Republicans have voiced strong opposition to their party's concessions, particularly regarding the funding levels for immigration operations. Their stance underscores a segment of the Republican party that prioritizes robust immigration enforcement and views the current compromise as insufficient.
Senator Eric Schmitt's statement, "We will fully fund ICE. That is what this fight is about," encapsulates the conservative Republican position. His subsequent remark, "The border is closing. The next task is deportation," further emphasizes their agenda and their view of the current situation.
The article details the on-again, off-again nature of the negotiations, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune announcing a "last and final" offer that ultimately did not immediately resolve the stalemate. The prolonged nature of the talks reflects the deep divisions on immigration policy.
Democrats have consistently argued for stronger oversight and limitations on immigration enforcement agencies. Their demands for "guardrails" on officers from ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and other federal agencies stem from concerns about the scope and methods of immigration sweeps.
The deaths of two Americans protesting immigration actions in Minneapolis are cited as a catalyst for some of the Democratic demands, indicating a desire to prevent similar incidents and ensure more humane enforcement practices.
Specific Democratic proposals include requiring federal agents to wear identification and remove face masks, as well as prohibiting raids near schools, churches, and other sensitive locations. These are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement.
Democrats have also pushed for an end to administrative warrants, advocating for judicial review before agents can search private residences or spaces. The article notes that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has expressed openness to considering this specific proposal, suggesting a potential area for future compromise.
President Trump's role in the shutdown negotiations is characterized as one where he largely left the issue to Congress, but with a clear readiness to intervene. His threats to deploy the National Guard and his deployment of ICE agents to check traveler IDs demonstrate his willingness to use executive authority.
The White House's consideration of invoking a national emergency to pay TSA agents highlights the extraordinary measures being contemplated to address the shutdown's effects. This approach was described as "politically and legally fraught," indicating potential challenges and controversies associated with such a move.
The alternative of using funds from the 2025 tax bill to pay TSA agents, as announced by President Trump, represents a less controversial, though still significant, executive action. This method allows for immediate payment without requiring a new congressional appropriation.
The article clarifies that if the Senate's funding package is approved by the House and signed into law, President Trump's announced payment for TSA agents might be temporary or rendered unnecessary. This underscores the interconnectedness of the legislative and executive actions in resolving the crisis.
The procedural hurdles in the House for taking up the bill on Friday are significant. The need for a resolution establishing the terms of consideration, which likely requires Democratic support, introduces an element of uncertainty.
Representative Mike Thompson's cautious optimism, stating, "It sounds like, at this point, this is exactly what we asked for, so I think it would be difficult to vote against that," suggests that the Senate bill aligns with Democratic priorities on certain aspects, potentially facilitating its passage in the House.
The impact of the funding shutdown on airport operations and TSA workers is a critical element of the story. Travel delays and warnings of airport closures are direct consequences of TSA workers missing paychecks and choosing not to work.
The article provides specific data on the increased callout rates of TSA workers, with multiple airports experiencing over 40% absence rates. The nearly 500 resignations from the TSA workforce during the shutdown underscore the severe strain on agency personnel.
Nationwide, over 11% of TSA employees scheduled to work on Wednesday missed their shifts, translating to more than 3,120 callouts. This data quantifies the operational challenges faced by the agency.
The union representing TSA workers, the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed gratitude for the payment of TSA workers but stressed the ongoing need for a comprehensive funding solution. Their call for Congress to stay in session to pass a deal that funds the entire DHS and pays all its workers highlights the broader implications of the shutdown.
A personal anecdote from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston illustrates the real-world impact of the delays. Melissa Gates's inability to make her flight after a lengthy wait at security underscores the frustration and inconvenience experienced by travelers. Her remark, "I should have just driven, right?" followed by "Five hours would have been hilarious next to this," conveys the exasperation of the situation.
The report acknowledges the contributions of multiple Associated Press writers from various locations, indicating the widespread nature of the story and the collaborative effort involved in gathering information.