President Donald Trump has signed an executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration employees after a bid to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown fell apart in Congress. The action is aimed at easing security lines at top airports. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that TSA workers could see paychecks as early as Monday. The House passed a bill to fund the entire department through May 22.
Trump’s memo cited the emergency situation in the nation’s air travel system as the reason for the payments. Although this move may benefit air travelers, it does not resolve the DHS shutdown, which has caused airport delays and financial hardships for federal workers. The shutdown will reach 44 days on Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 43 days.
The Senate approved a funding deal for DHS, but House Republicans rejected it. They passed a bill to fund the entire department through May 22 instead. The House vote was 213-203, with President Trump supporting their plan. Senate Democrats have indicated that the House GOP’s proposal is unlikely to pass.
The Senate compromise bill, passed by voice vote, funds most of Homeland Security but does not include funding for ICE and Border Patrol. Democrats have pushed for changes in immigration enforcement practices, while conservative Republicans are focused on fully funding ICE. The rejection of the Senate deal highlighted a rift between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
The DHS shutdown has led to travel delays and TSA worker shortages, with some workers quitting during the shutdown. Multiple airports have seen high callout rates among TSA workers, impacting airport operations nationwide.
