Arabic version: البيت سيصوت على تمويل وزارة الأمن الداخلي مع تأخيرات السفر في المطارات
The US House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as significant airport travel delays continue across the nation. This vote, aimed at providing funding until May 22, follows the rejection by Republicans of a Senate-passed deal to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). According to BBC News, TSA agents, responsible for airport security, have not received pay for over a month due to the ongoing congressional impasse, leading to extensive delays at many airports.
The House bill faces an uncertain future, as Democrats are pushing to halt funding to immigration agencies within DHS unless reforms are implemented. The vote is scheduled for late Friday, but the likelihood of the bill passing the Senate remains low, with Democrats indicating they will not support it. As Congress approaches a two-week recess, the prospect for DHS funding appears bleak.
In response to the crisis, President Donald Trump has signed an order directing his administration to pay TSA agents who have been working without compensation, many of whom have called in sick or resigned. However, this action may face legal and political challenges, as the Constitution mandates that Congress must authorize government spending.
Democrats have stated that they will not agree to any funding deal without necessary reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the Senate reached a unanimous agreement to pass a bill that excluded ICE and certain border protection components, House Republicans have expressed their unwillingness to support any legislation that does not include funding for immigration enforcement and voter ID requirements.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has labeled the House measure as “dead on arrival,” emphasizing that while Democrats are willing to fund critical Homeland Security functions, they refuse to provide unrestricted funding to ICE without reforms. The ongoing deadlock has resulted in widespread disruptions at airports, with travelers facing long lines due to a shortage of TSA officers, as around 50,000 agents have been working without pay since mid-February.
