POLITICS

Senate Fails Again; Trump Threatens ICE at Airports

PUBLISHED Mar 20, 2026, 4:22 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 83%

Sources: 6

Washington. The Senate on Friday failed again to advance a House-passed bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, voting 47-37 and falling short of the 60 votes required; DHS has been partly shut down since Feb. 14, disrupting TSA payroll and airport screening operations. Lawmakers held bipartisan meetings with White House border czar Tom Homan Thursday and Friday, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he would offer a TSA-only funding measure Saturday; on Saturday the president posted that he would deploy ICE to airports starting Monday unless funding is approved.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Since Feb. 12: Multiple failed Senate attempts to advance a House-passed DHS funding bill.
Feb. 14: DHS entered a partial shutdown; TSA staff lost paychecks.
Thursday: Border czar Tom Homan met with a bipartisan group of senators.
Friday: Senate failed to advance the funding bill in a 47-37 vote; 16 senators did not vote.
Saturday: Schumer announced a TSA-only funding proposal; the president posted plans to send ICE to airports starting Monday.

News Intelligence

A DHS shutdown affects airport security. TSA staff aren't getting paid. This could slow down airport screenings. If you're flying soon, allow extra time.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Immigration enforcement advocates and some Republican lawmakers temporarily gained leverage by pressing for stricter enforcement measures as leverage in DHS funding negotiations.

Who Impacted

TSA employees, airline passengers, and DHS operations suffered unpaid work, staffing shortfalls and longer airport screening delays during the partial DHS shutdown.