WASHINGTON — The Senate early Friday unanimously approved legislation providing funding for most operations of the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to end a partial government shutdown that has lasted more than six weeks and disrupted air travel.
The measure, passed by voice vote, restores funding for key components including the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. It excludes roughly $5.5 billion designated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and parts of Customs and Border Protection. The bill now heads to the House, which rejected the approach on Friday and passed its own temporary measure instead.
The partial shutdown began on Feb. 14 after Congress failed to agree on full-year appropriations for the department amid partisan disagreements over immigration enforcement. Funding lapsed following earlier short-term extensions, leading to furloughs for thousands of DHS employees and delayed pay for others. TSA screeners have worked without regular paychecks, resulting in extended security lines at major U.S. airports and higher officer attrition rates.
Negotiations intensified in recent days as pressure mounted from the travel industry and constituents. Senate Majority Leader John Thune worked with the White House on the framework, which allows most DHS functions to resume while deferring immigration enforcement funding for separate consideration. President Donald Trump signaled support for restoring operations and issued an executive order directing immediate back pay for TSA officers using prior-year funds.
The House, controlled by Republicans, passed a stopgap bill late Friday to fund the entire department through May 22. That measure faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where it would likely require 60 votes to advance. Lawmakers from both chambers are scheduled to depart for a two-week recess this weekend.
As of Saturday, the partial shutdown continued, with TSA operations strained by staffing shortages. Airport security wait times remained elevated during the spring travel season. The House-passed bill and the Senate-approved measure have created a standoff between the chambers, leaving the path to full resolution unclear before the recess.