A standoff in Washington is dragging out disruptions across the nation’s airports after House Republicans refused to advance a Senate-approved plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
According to the New York Post, the decision keeps a six-week shutdown in place, with lawmakers now scrambling to find a path forward.
House Speaker Mike Johnson made clear Friday that Republicans intend to pursue a different approach, saying the House will move “as soon as possible” on a short-term funding bill lasting 60 days.
The speaker sharply criticized the Senate’s proposal, arguing it failed to provide any funding for key immigration enforcement efforts.
“It is unconscionable to me that the Democrats would force some sort of negotiation at three o’clock in the morning and try to foist this upon the American people and then get on their jets and go home for their holiday — and pretend and think that we’re going to go along with that,” Johnson fumed.
“It can’t be the case that every Senate Republican read this bill,” he added.
Johnson also said President Donald Trump supports the House’s position. At the same time, Trump is working to ease the impact of the shutdown through executive action, including a plan to ensure Transportation Security Administration agents are paid.
Frustration among House Republicans has been mounting. Rep. Chip Roy said earlier in the day the Senate compromise was “not going to pass as it is,” calling it “absolutely offensive” to Border Patrol agents and others who have gone without pay.
Another lawmaker, Rep. Lauren Boebert, took aim at the Senate for leaving Washington before a deal was finalized.
“PSA to senate schedulers: may want to book a return flight for your boss,” she posted. “Our work here isn’t finished.”
The Senate plan would have funded most DHS operations but excluded Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Republicans argue those agencies remain critical, even after receiving funding in prior legislation.
Senate Democrats, meanwhile, have resisted providing additional funds following fatal shootings involving ICE and Customs and Border Protection earlier this year in Minnesota.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the impasse, saying Democrats ultimately secured no policy changes. “They ended up getting no reforms but, you know, we’re going to have to fight some of those battles another day,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer struck a different tone, declaring Democrats “held the line” against what he described as a “blank check” for enforcement agencies.
As the political fight drags on, the consequences are being felt nationwide.
Hundreds of TSA officers have quit, while many others have called out of work as paychecks stopped. Some agents have reportedly resorted to selling blood or sleeping in their cars to get by.
Travelers are also feeling the strain. Wait times at airports have surged to record levels, with some smaller hubs now at risk of shutting down entirely if funding is not restored.
Even high-profile figures have been caught in the delays. Former Attorney General Bill Barr was seen waiting among crowds at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where delays stretched to four hours or more.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the shutdown’s ripple effects continue to grow.
