DHS funding talks show progress as TSA delays worsen at airports
A potential breakthrough may be emerging in Washington as lawmakers work to address massive airport security delays tied to the ongoing DHS funding stalemate.
(NBC)- A potential breakthrough may be emerging in Washington as lawmakers work to address massive airport security delays tied to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding stalemate.
A small group of Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump to discuss a plan to fund DHS, as long lines at TSA checkpoints continue to frustrate travelers nationwide. Alabama Senator Katie Britt expressed optimism following the meeting, saying negotiations are ongoing and a solution could be within reach.
For more than a month, Democrats have refused to approve additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol without significant changes to immigration enforcement policies, particularly after the fatal shootings of two American citizens. Instead, they are pushing to separate that funding from the rest of DHS in order to immediately support agencies like FEMA and TSA. Senator Cory Booker emphasized that progress depends on presidential approval, saying the next move rests with the White House.
President Trump, however, has urged Republicans to tie DHS funding to stricter voter ID laws under the “Save America Act,” a condition Democrats have rejected. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said both sides are now engaged in serious discussions, signaling a possible path forward.
Meanwhile, the impact of the funding stalemate is being felt at airports across the country. TSA agents, working without pay during the partial shutdown, are calling out or leaving in record numbers, leading to growing security lines and delays. Some travelers report lines stretching so far they cannot see the end.
To help manage the situation, ICE agents have been deployed to more than a dozen major airports to assist with ID checks and crowd control. However, because they are not trained to operate airport screening equipment, it remains unclear how much relief they can provide.
