Senate Passes DHS Funding Bill to Avert Shutdown, Awaits House Action

The Senate passed a bill on Thursday to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), marking a critical step toward ending the partial government shutdown that has disrupted air travel. The legislation, approved in a pro forma session, awaits action from the House, which has not yet taken up the measure. With lawmakers on a two-week recess, the shutdown is expected to continue through the weekend. Democrats have withheld funding for DHS since February, demanding changes to immigration enforcement practices. The crisis intensified in January when federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation, prompting prolonged negotiations. Unpaid TSA agents have increasingly missed work or resigned, leading to long security lines at airports. The Senate bill excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), though these agencies have existing funds from the 2025 Republican tax and spending package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a two-track funding strategy to fully reopen DHS, pay federal workers, and secure immigration enforcement for three years. The approach includes the Senate bill and a budget reconciliation effort to fund ICE and CBP without Democratic support. President Donald Trump endorsed the plan, emphasizing the need to bypass the Senate filibuster and replenish funding for border agencies. However, some House Republicans, like Rep. Scott Perry, oppose the strategy, arguing it defunds law enforcement and leaves borders vulnerable. The House is scheduled to meet again on April 6, with a full return of Congress not expected until April 13. Until then, the partial shutdown remains in effect, affecting TSA operations and contributing to market uncertainty.