The US House of Representatives has rejected a Senate plan aimed at easing airport problems caused by a partial government shutdown. The dispute has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers screening passengers and baggage without pay since mid-February, leading to long lines and flight delays at many airports.
The Senate had passed a measure to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) including TSA, the Coast Guard, and FEMA while excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. The plan was meant to keep airport operations running while Congress worked on a full budget.
House Republicans criticized the bill and plan to push a shorter 60-day funding extension for DHS instead. Democrats are unlikely to approve this, which could prolong airport delays.
The shutdown has also affected staffing. Hundreds of TSA employees have quit, and many others are absent, forcing the government to bring in ICE agents to assist with airport security—a move that has faced criticism for safety concerns.
President Donald Trump promised to pay TSA staff during the shutdown but tied any deal to broader legislation on voter registration rules, further delaying a resolution.
Travelers are being advised to arrive earlier than usual at airports as the funding stalemate continues.
