Former President Donald Trump mocked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for a near gaffe during a Senate floor statement Saturday. Schumer mistakenly said, “We must fund ICE,” before quickly correcting himself to “We must fund TSA now.” Trump highlighted the error on his Truth Social account early Sunday.
Schumer’s Funding Remarks Amid Senate Funding Standoff
Schumer was addressing Senate Democrats’ opposition to Republican efforts to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), amid a government shutdown that has affected TSA operations and caused long airport security lines. Democrats have filibustered the SAVE America Act, an election integrity bill, while blaming Republicans for the shutdown.
The irony noted by Trump stems from the fact that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains fully funded under last summer’s omnibus spending bill. The DHS shutdown primarily impacts TSA and other agencies, not ICE operations directly.
Senate Efforts to Resolve DHS Funding Impasse
Republican leaders, including Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Homeland Security Subcommittee Chair Katie Britt, held talks Sunday aimed at resolving the funding stalemate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stressed the need for Democrats to back funding for the entire DHS instead of partial measures.
The ongoing DHS funding lapse began Feb. 13, leading to TSA staffing shortages at some major airports just as spring travel demand peaks. Airlines expect a record 171 million passengers over the next two months, worsening concerns over airport delays.
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