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Congress · Government Shutdown · Travel · TSA
President Trump announced he will sign an executive order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, breaking a 41-day budget impasse in Congress that has left thousands of workers without paychecks and caused significant travel disruptions.
The extraordinary move comes as TSA workers faced their second missed paycheck, leading to over 11% callout rates nationwide and nearly 500 resignations among 50,000 officers. Airports, including Houston's George Bush Intercontinental, experienced severe delays, with some travelers missing flights due to 2.5-hour security lines.
The White House initially considered a national emergency declaration but will instead shift funds from other sources, a move supported by Senator Susan Collins. Democrats are refusing to fund Homeland Security without changes to Trump's immigration enforcement operations, demanding judicial warrants for searches and agent identification.
The funding shutdown has also seen a 500% increase in assaults on TSA officers, according to acting TSA administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. The impasse continues despite a "last and final" offer from Senate Republicans, as Democrats seek "real changes" regarding ICE reforms.
Trump Orders TSA Pay; Congress Funding Impasse Continues(current)