WASHINGTON — In a rare late-night session that stretched into the early hours of Friday, March 27, 2026, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), providing critical relief to airport travelers and federal workers amid a prolonged partial government shutdown.
The measure, passed by voice vote without a formal roll call, will keep TSA, the Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) operational through the end of the fiscal year. It notably excludes additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which have been at the center of the partisan standoff.
The vote comes after more than 40 days of shutdown-related disruptions that left thousands of TSA agents without paychecks and caused hours-long security lines at major airports across the country. President Donald Trump had announced Thursday that he would issue an executive order directing the use of other available funds to pay TSA workers immediately.
Democrats hailed the agreement as a victory after weeks of blocking Republican efforts they viewed as providing a “blank check” for immigration enforcement without reforms. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stated that the deal “funds TSA, the Coast Guard, FEMA, [and] CISA” while strengthening port-of-entry security. Senate Democrats had repeatedly forced votes on standalone TSA pay measures, only to see them blocked along party lines.
Republicans, while expressing frustration that ICE and CBP were left out, described the compromise as a necessary step to restore normal airport operations during peak travel season. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, which is expected to consider it later today.
The funding deal marks the latest chapter in ongoing budget battles over DHS, which has been partially shuttered since mid-February following disagreements over immigration policy. Travelers and TSA employees alike are expected to see immediate improvements as back pay is processed and staffing levels stabilize.
SOURCES:
Senate Approves TSA And Homeland Security Funding—Excludes Money For ICE
Senate approves funding for most of DHS, hours after Trump promised to restart TSA pay
WATCH: Senate passes deal to fund TSA, DHS | PBS News
The post Senate Approves Funding for TSA and Most of Homeland Security, Ending Partial Shutdown Impasse appeared first on Anthony Brian Logan.