The Senate passed a bipartisan bill early Friday to fund most Department of Homeland Security operations except ICE and Border Patrol, but House Republicans signaled they will reject it. President Donald Trump signed an executive order the same day to pay TSA agents affected by the ongoing partial shutdown. The move came as airport security lines lengthened due to unpaid workers calling out or quitting.
A partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, now in its sixth week since mid-February, has left around 50,000 TSA officers without pay, leading to high callout rates of over 40% at some airports and nearly 500 resignations. Travelers faced extended security lines nationwide, prompting President Trump to sign an executive order Friday authorizing redirected funds with a 'reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations.' In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, 'Because the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country... I will not allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer.' He instructed Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin to pay the agents immediately and thanked ICE for assisting at airports. TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl warned of 'long-standing' impacts, including payroll delays and morale issues, even after funding resumes. Aviation experts predict noticeable improvements in lines within 24-48 hours once back pay reaches workers on Monday, though full recovery could take weeks or months due to hiring and training timelines of 4-6 months per agent. Early Friday, the Senate unanimously approved a bill funding TSA, FEMA, CISA, Coast Guard, and ports of entry, but excluding ICE and Border Patrol amid stalled immigration reforms. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Republicans would not accept it, calling for a continuing resolution until May 22 to fund all DHS. 'Republicans will do the responsible and honorable thing, and Democrats will continue to play politics,' Johnson told reporters. Trump criticized the bill on Fox News as 'not good' and 'not appropriate,' arguing it fails to fund law enforcement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the Senate deal and deemed the House's continuing resolution 'dead on arrival.' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pledged Democratic support for the Senate bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of prioritizing politics over policy. The Senate has departed for a two-week Easter recess, complicating amendments.
