POLITICS

Trump Pushes SAVE Act, Complicating DHS Funding Talks

PUBLISHED Mar 23, 2026, 4:53 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Left 43%

Center 57%

Sources: 7

Washington — President Trump on Monday urged Republican senators to tie passage of the SAVE America Act to Department of Homeland Security funding, complicating Senate efforts to end a roughly 38-day partial DHS shutdown and reopening talks that had aimed to fund most DHS agencies. Senators met with the president Monday evening and said they hoped to finalize legislative text this week; leaders cited limited support for the SAVE Act, while reports of more than 3,400 TSA agents calling out and growing airport delays intensified pressure to reach a partial funding solution.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Weeks earlier: Senate begins debating the SAVE America Act with voter ID and proof-of-citizenship provisions.
Shutdown continues: DHS partial shutdown extends to roughly 38 days, disrupting agency operations and air travel.
Monday: President Trump publicly urges Republican senators to withhold deals until SAVE America Act passage.
Monday evening: A group of Senate Republicans meets the president at the White House and returns optimistic.
This week: Senators aim to finalize legislative text to fund most DHS agencies while exploring reconciliation and procedural options for election provisions.

News Intelligence

The ongoing DHS shutdown affects air travel and agency operations. If you're flying soon, expect delays. The SAVE America Act could change voting rules. Keep an eye on this if you're concerned about election integrity.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 3
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 43%, Center 57%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Conservative lawmakers and proponents of stricter voter ID and registration rules gained bargaining leverage when the president urged Republican senators to attach the SAVE America Act to DHS funding talks, strengthening their negotiating position in ongoing legislative discussions.

Who Impacted

Travelers and Transportation Security Administration operations suffered disruptions, with long airport security lines and more than 3,400 TSA agents calling out amid the prolonged DHS funding standoff.