Lawmakers Flee DC as Airports Brace for Chaos After DHS Funding Bill Fails

Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz, and other senators leave town as partial government shutdown cripples airports

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:20pm

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As Congress failed to pass a bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, several lawmakers including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Ted Cruz were spotted leaving Washington, D.C. on Friday. The partial government shutdown has caused major disruptions at airports, with long lines and travel nightmares for passengers. The Senate had passed a bill to fund TSA and other DHS programs, but the House refused to take it up, instead passing short-term funding for the entire agency which was criticized as inadequate.

Why it matters

The failure to resolve the DHS funding impasse has led to a political crisis, with the administration forced to redirect existing funds to pay TSA agents. The situation has exacerbated tensions between Congress and the White House, while leaving travelers stranded at airports across the country.

The details

In the early hours of Friday morning, the Senate passed a bill that would have funded TSA agents and other Homeland Security programs, but not Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, the House refused to take up that bill, instead passing short-term funding for the entire DHS agency, which was criticized by House Speaker Mike Johnson as a 'joke' and 'unconscionable'. President Trump signed an order for DHS to redirect existing funds to pay TSA agents.

  • On Friday afternoon, Sen. Bernie Sanders was pictured leaving Washington, D.C.
  • Sen. Ted Cruz was also spotted appearing at CPAC in his home state of Texas.
  • Sen. Marsha Blackburn was seen skipping town despite the funding turmoil.

The players

Bernie Sanders

An 84-year-old independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats.

Ted Cruz

A Republican senator from Texas.

Marsha Blackburn

A Republican senator from Tennessee.

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“House Speaker Mike Johnson called that bill, which got negotiated with Senate GOP leaders and passed the chamber before the start of a two-week scheduled recess, a 'joke' and 'unconscionable.'”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing political gridlock in Washington and the real-world impacts it is having on travelers across the country. It raises questions about the ability of Congress to resolve funding disputes and the consequences for essential government services like airport security.