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Senate approves funding to reopen government
The US Senate voted early Friday to end a 40-day partial government shutdown by approving funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), though immigration enforcement measures were left out of the deal. The agreement now heads to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
Airport disruptions highlight shutdown impact
The funding lapse, which began six weeks ago, has severely disrupted air travel across the country. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, whose salaries are paid by the DHS, have worked without pay since mid-February, leading hundreds to quit. As a result, airports have faced hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages.
At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, only a third to half of TSA checkpoints were operational this week, according to Jim Szczesniak, the airport system's aviation director. A BBC reporter at the airport described chaotic scenes, with travelers waiting two hours in winding queues only to find additional lines ahead.
Political divisions over immigration policy
The Senate's funding bill excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of border protection after Democrats refused to support a deal without reforms to the agency. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the package includes funding for the TSA, US Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) but no "blank check" for ICE.
Schumer cited the recent killings of US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis as a key reason for Democratic opposition. The two were shot by federal agents during an ICE operation earlier this year, fueling demands for policy changes, including a ban on racial profiling and a requirement for judicial warrants before agents enter private property.
Trump intervenes as Republicans criticize Democrats
Hours before the Senate vote, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would sign an executive order to immediately pay TSA agents. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, blamed Democrats for the shutdown, stating, "We're here because of Democrats' refusal to reach an agreement."
"Trump should never have had to step in to rescue TSA workers and US air travel."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune
Next steps and lingering concerns
The funding bill must still pass the House of Representatives before taking effect. While the deal aims to restore normal operations at airports, Democrats have vowed to continue pushing for ICE reforms in future negotiations.
