Full Breakdown
Trump Signs Order to Pay TSA Workers Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
3/28/2026, 9:00:15 PM
Senate Approves Funding for DHS, Excluding Immigration Enforcement
The U.S. Senate voted early Friday to end a partial 40-day government shutdown by approving funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), excluding immigration enforcement operations. The funding lapse has severely disrupted air travel, leading to long security lines at airports as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have been working without pay. The Senate's unanimous agreement followed a compromise that stripped funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the measure, which now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated, “We can get at least a lot of the government opened up again and then we’ll go from there,” while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that Democrats would not support any funding for ICE without significant reforms to its operations. The funding package includes provisions for the TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but does not address the demands for reforms in immigration enforcement practices.
Trump’s Executive Order to Pay TSA Agents
In response to the ongoing crisis, President Donald Trump announced via social media that he would sign an order to pay TSA agents, stating it was necessary to address the "Emergency Situation" at airports. The order directs the DHS to use funds with a “reasonable and logical nexus” to TSA operations, potentially sourced from last year’s tax legislation known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." This move aims to alleviate the staffing shortages that have led to significant delays and frustrations for travelers.
Trump's decision comes after weeks of negotiations in Congress failed to yield a compromise, with Democrats insisting on reforms to ICE operations following recent controversies, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents. The president’s directive has raised questions about its legality, as it appears to circumvent the traditional congressional appropriations process.
Impact on TSA Operations and Air Travel
The shutdown has resulted in a high callout rate among TSA workers, with reports indicating that over 40% of TSA staff at some airports have not shown up for work. Nearly 500 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, exacerbating the situation at major airports like George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where travelers have faced wait times exceeding two hours.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill testified about the hardships faced by unpaid TSA workers, highlighting the financial strain and potential for airport closures if the situation does not improve. The TSA has been operating under significant stress, with many employees struggling to meet basic living expenses due to missed paychecks.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Trump's unilateral action have raised concerns about the implications for the separation of powers and the potential legal challenges that may arise. Some lawmakers argue that the president's move undermines the congressional authority over budgetary matters. Democratic leaders have expressed frustration, stating that they had repeatedly offered to fund TSA operations separately but were met with Republican resistance tied to broader immigration enforcement issues.
Senator Chris Murphy remarked, “His national emergency is that he can't cut a deal? He's a bad negotiator,” emphasizing the ongoing tensions between the two parties regarding the funding negotiations.
What's Next?
As the House prepares to vote on the funding package, the future of DHS funding remains uncertain. The Senate's decision to exclude ICE funding has drawn criticism from conservative Republicans, who are advocating for full funding of immigration operations. The ongoing standoff highlights the complexities of balancing national security needs with immigration reform demands, leaving many TSA workers and travelers in a precarious situation as the government shutdown continues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “America’s air travel system has reached its breaking point,” — President Donald Trump
- “We can get at least a lot of the government opened up again and then we’ll go from there,” — Senate Majority Leader John Thune
- “His national emergency is that he can't cut a deal? He's a bad negotiator. I don't think that's grounds for a national emergency,” — Senator Chris Murphy
This situation underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the funding impasse, as the impact on air travel and TSA operations continues to escalate.
