Funding Bill for Homeland Security Stalls in Senate
A bill aimed at funding the Department of Homeland Security failed to advance in the Senate on Friday amid increasing concerns over long lines at security checkpoints in some of the nation’s largest airports.
Democrats withheld the necessary support to move the funding measure toward final passage. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced he would propose an alternative measure on Saturday to fund only the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency responsible for screening passengers and luggage for hazardous items. However, this alternative is also expected to fail as lawmakers convene for a rare weekend session.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations Intensify
Efforts to resolve the impasse intensified on Friday as White House border czar Tom Homan met for the second consecutive day with a bipartisan group of senators. The senators are demanding changes to immigration enforcement practices by federal agents following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Democratic lawmakers declined to comment after the meeting with Homan. Senator Susan Collins, the Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated that the White House has enhanced its offer in an effort to break the deadlock but did not provide specific details.
“It’s a very fair, reasonable offer,” Collins said, adding she hoped the two sides would meet again on Saturday. “But that depends on whether the Democrats come back with a response.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he sees “deal space” emerging from discussions with the White House. However, he questioned the Democrats’ commitment to reaching an agreement that would allocate additional funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“This is a pox on everybody’s house,” Thune said. “You’ve got people standing in lines at the airports. This needs to be fixed. It needs to get resolved and there are good-faith efforts being made finally on all the relevant issues.”
Senate Floor Debate and Positions
On the Senate floor, Schumer acknowledged the urgency of reopening TSA operations but rejected the Republican proposal to fund the entire Department of Homeland Security under current terms. Democrats are advocating for funding TSA separately while continuing negotiations on ICE funding.
“Tomorrow, America will see the matter crystal clear: which senators want to open up TSA, pay TSA workers, and end the chaos at our airports, and which senators are going to block TSA funding yet again,” Schumer said.
Most TSA employees are considered essential personnel and have continued working during the government funding lapse, though without pay. However, call-out rates have increased at some airports, resulting in longer screening times for travelers.
Democratic Demands on ICE Policy Changes
Democrats have insisted on a range of policy reforms as conditions for supporting the funding bill. These include requiring ICE agents to obtain a warrant from a judge before forcibly entering homes, mandating that agents wear identifying information on their uniforms, and banning the use of masks during operations.
“The American people have had enough of this rogue agency. We need to rein it in. And we are negotiating right now over how to do that,” said Senator Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that it has agreed to several changes, such as expanding the use of body-worn cameras with exceptions for undercover operations, and limiting civil enforcement activities at sensitive locations including hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Republicans also highlight that President Trump has dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and appointed Tom Homan to oversee operations in Minneapolis, actions they argue demonstrate the administration’s commitment to reforming ICE’s practices.
Upcoming Congressional Break and Potential Delays
Congress is scheduled to begin an extended recess near the end of the month for a two-week Easter break. Senate Majority Leader Thune has warned that senators may be required to remain in Washington if the funding impasse persists.
“I can’t see us taking a break if the government is still shut down,” Thune said.
