Airport delays build pressure on Congress to end funding shutdown
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Congress faces mounting pressure to end a 41-day funding shutdown affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but disagreements persist over restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
- A Republican proposal to fund TSA and much of DHS, excluding ICE enforcement activities, is expected to fail as Democrats demand stronger safeguards on immigration enforcement following recent protests and deaths.
- TSA workers are enduring severe financial hardships, including unpaid wages, eviction threats, and increased assaults, leading to high callout rates and potential airport closures if the shutdown continues.
- President Trump has largely remained silent publicly on the negotiations, criticizing Democrats for blocking immigration-related demands while ICE continues to receive funding through prior legislation.
- Senate leaders indicate willingness to consider a stopgap funding measure if Democrats present a more realistic offer, but talks have stalled after recent failed negotiations with the White House.
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