The United States Senate remained at an impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), after Democrats rejected a Republican proposal aimed at restarting most agency operations without including immigration enforcement reforms.
The Republican plan would have restored funding across DHS but excluded key deportation-related functions tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democrats opposed the measure, arguing it failed to include safeguards they have demanded for months on immigration enforcement practices.
Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said Democrats had instead proposed a funding bill that paired DHS operations with new limits and oversight measures on enforcement actions. Republicans dismissed the counteroffer.
“Get serious, folks,” said John Thune, the Senate majority leader, signaling little room for compromise.
Shutdown impact grows
The standoff has prolonged a partial government shutdown that began in mid-February, after Democrats refused to approve DHS funding without reforms following controversial enforcement actions.
The funding lapse has disrupted operations across agencies including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Major airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport have reported long security lines due to staffing shortages.
In response, Donald Trump ordered ICE agents to assist at airport checkpoints, a move criticized by Democrats who say the agents are not trained for TSA duties.
Schumer blamed Republicans for derailing negotiations that had been nearing compromise. “If anyone is slowing down negotiations and hurting TSA workers, it is the Republican leadership,” he said.
Workers face financial strain
According to TSA leadership, the shutdown has placed severe financial pressure on employees. Acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said workers have collectively missed about $1 billion in pay.
She described widespread hardship among staff, including missed rent and loan payments, loss of childcare, and workers taking second jobs or even selling blood plasma to make ends meet.
Before the shutdown, only about 4% of TSA staff typically missed shifts. That figure has now risen to as high as 40–50% at some major airports, she said.
Broader political fight
Republicans are also preparing a separate budget reconciliation bill that could fund immigration enforcement and military operations, including potential spending tied to U.S. actions involving Iran.
Lindsey Graham, chair of the Senate Budget Committee, said the effort aims to ensure funding for border security and military operations while potentially advancing election-related measures such as the proposed SAVE America Act.
However, some provisions may face procedural hurdles, as reconciliation bills are limited to budget-related measures.
Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans continue to trade blame as the shutdown drags on, with broader implications for immigration policy, national security funding and the functioning of key federal agencies.