Senator John Fetterman has called for an immediate end to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, warning that the disruption is severely impacting airport security and preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. With nearly 400 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers having left the force amid the funding stalemate, Fetterman stressed that the United States is “significantly behind” in readying for the influx of millions of international visitors expected during the global event.
The DHS funding lapse began on February 14 and marks the second shutdown affecting TSA workers within three months. This ongoing impasse has caused extended wait times at airports nationwide and jeopardizes the effective deployment of TSA personnel during critical travel periods. “Preparations are significantly behind and now we’re 77 days out,” Fetterman said, emphasizing the urgency given the World Cup will commence on June 11.
The Senate advanced a DHS funding bill early Friday aiming to restore financing to agencies including TSA, the Secret Service, the Coast Guard, and FEMA. However, the bill notably excluded funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move linked to Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms. This exclusion triggered opposition from House Republicans and Speaker Mike Johnson, who criticized the bill for completely defunding ICE, which previously received $75 billion in funding last year.
In response, the House passed its own version of the DHS funding extension, maintaining current funding levels for two months to allow further negotiation. This measure is unlikely to be accepted by the Senate, prolonging the funding uncertainty.
DHS spokespeople underscored the critical impact of the shutdown, noting that 366 TSA officers have already resigned, exacerbating staffing shortages. Although former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at funding TSA salaries despite the shutdown, DHS acknowledged that newly hired officers would not be ready to operate checkpoint duties until after the World Cup concludes.
Fetterman urged lawmakers, especially within his party, to prioritize restoring full DHS operations over immigration enforcement disputes. He expressed growing frustration with the extended shutdown, asking, “How long are you gonna continue that?” as travel delays and security risks persist.
Why it matters
The DHS shutdown poses immediate concerns for national security and travel efficiency ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major international event that will draw millions of visitors through U.S. airports. Delayed TSA staffing recovery risks long security lines and potential vulnerabilities, highlighting the urgent need for resolution to ensure safe and smooth travel operations.
Background
The DHS funding lapse began in February amid partisan disagreements over immigration reform, with Democrats seeking restrictions on ICE operations. The resulting shutdown has strained TSA’s operational capacity, forcing significant workforce departures and undermining preparedness for high-profile events. The shutdown is now in its 40th day despite legislative efforts to restore partial agency funding.
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