The House of Representatives voted Thursday to keep the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown active, marking the 40th day of a funding lapse that has disrupted air travel nationwide. The funding measure, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) to fund DHS through September, passed 218-206 largely along party lines, with most House Democrats opposing the bill.
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The extended shutdown has severely impacted Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations, leading to hours-long wait times at airports. Nearly 500 TSA agents have quit since the funding lapse began February 14, driven by missed paychecks and financial hardship. More than 50,000 TSA employees face missing their second full paycheck, with reports of some sleeping in cars or selling plasma to make ends meet.
Democrats have withheld support for DHS funding due to demands for reforms to subagencies involved in immigration enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Party leaders seek requirements such as judicial warrants for immigration actions, which Republicans argue would hinder law enforcement efforts. The Senate has yet to act on the latest House measure amid ongoing bipartisan negotiations.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized current immigration enforcement practices, stating that congressional funding should ensure agencies operate “fair, just, and humane” policies. Republicans counter that funding ICE is vital to public safety, citing recent violent incidents involving undocumented immigrants and accusing Democrats of prioritizing sanctuary policies over citizen welfare.
The prolonged shutdown continues as lawmakers approach a recess deadline, leaving federal DHS workers in financial distress and airports struggling with staffing shortages and operational delays.
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