Senate to Vote on Trump's SAVE Act, But No Shutdown Resolution Expected

DHS shutdown drags on as spring break travel collides with TSA staffing shortages

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Senate returned to session on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, but a vote to end the ongoing government shutdown is not expected. Instead, the Senate is scheduled to vote on President Donald Trump's SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. The DHS shutdown, now in its 32nd day, is impacting spring break travel as TSA staffing shortages lead to long wait times at airports across the country. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have traded blame across party lines, but a resolution to the shutdown remains elusive.

Why it matters

The prolonged DHS shutdown is causing significant disruptions to spring break travel, with TSA staffing shortages leading to hours-long wait times at airports. This is raising concerns about public safety and the impact on the economy. The partisan battle over the SAVE Act also highlights the deep divisions in Congress, making a compromise on the DHS funding lapse even more difficult.

The details

The Senate returned to session on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, but a vote to end the government shutdown is not on the calendar. Instead, the Senate is scheduled to vote on President Trump's SAVE Act at 2:15 p.m. ET, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. Some Senate Republicans are likely to withhold support for the SAVE Act, while Senate Democrats have strongly opposed it. Should the vote on the SAVE Act result in a tie, Vice President JD Vance would be called upon to break it.

  • The Senate returned to session at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The Senate is scheduled to vote on the SAVE Act at 2:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The Senate is currently in recess from March 30 through April 10, 2026, for the Easter holiday.

The players

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader, a Republican from South Dakota.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York.

JD Vance

Vice President of the United States.

John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who has often bucked his party.

Anna St. John

A nominee for a federal judgeship in Louisiana.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.