*Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are expected to receive their paychecks as soon as Monday after President Donald Trump signed an order authorizing the use of existing funds, The Washington Post reports. The move comes as lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been without full funding since mid-February.
The lapse has already created operational strain, including longer airport wait times, increasing pressure on officials to reach an agreement. More than 400 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began, while ICE operations continue to be funded through last year’s spending bill. Although the White House action provides temporary relief for TSA workers, uncertainty persists across the rest of the agency.
On Capitol Hill, House Republicans are pushing forward with a short-term solution. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans for an eight-week funding extension that would cover the entire DHS. Johnson sharply criticized a separate Senate-backed proposal, arguing it fails to address key priorities, particularly around immigration enforcement. “The Republicans are not going to be any part of any effort to reopen our borders or to stop immigration enforcement,” Johnson said.
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In an order issued Friday, Trump wrote, “If Democrats in Congress do not act to support TSA officers—who are performing critical public safety duties without knowing if they can afford food or rent—then my administration will take action. As president, I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency compromising the nation’s security.”
The Senate measure, which had bipartisan support, would fund most DHS operations but excludes agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. That omission has become a major sticking point for House Republicans, who insist on including full funding for enforcement efforts. Senate Democrats, however, have made it clear they will not back the House’s temporary plan.
Despite internal disagreements, GOP leaders say there is sufficient alignment to move forward. While TSA workers will receive short-term relief, the broader dispute over DHS funding and immigration policy continues to divide lawmakers.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Trump Rejects Proposal to Reopen DHS Without ICE Funding
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