Bill to Fund Homeland Security Fails Again as Airport Delays Mount

Democrats demand changes to immigration enforcement as TSA workers go unpaid

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:18am

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A bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security failed to advance in the Senate on Friday, as Democrats refused to provide the necessary support. The impasse comes amid growing concerns about long lines at some of the country's biggest airports, with TSA workers continuing to work without pay. Democrats are demanding changes to immigration enforcement practices by federal agents following recent incidents, while Republicans say the administration has already agreed to some reforms.

Why it matters

The failure to fund the Department of Homeland Security is causing significant disruptions at airports across the country, with TSA screening times increasing due to staffing issues. The political standoff also highlights the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and the role of agencies like ICE.

The details

Senate Democrats declined to provide the votes needed to advance the Homeland Security funding bill, instead proposing a separate measure to fund just the Transportation Security Administration. The White House border czar has been meeting with a bipartisan group of senators to try to resolve the impasse, which centers on Democratic demands for changes to immigration enforcement practices. Republicans say the administration has already agreed to some reforms, including expanded use of body cameras and limits on enforcement activities at sensitive locations.

  • The Senate failed to advance the Homeland Security funding bill on Friday, March 20, 2026.
  • Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he would offer an alternative measure to fund just the TSA on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic leader from New York.

John Thune

Republican Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota.

Tom Homan

White House border czar leading negotiations with senators.

Patty Murray

Ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Kristi Noem

Former Homeland Security Secretary who was fired by the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“Tomorrow, America will see the matter crystal clear: which senators want to open up TSA, pay TSA workers, and end the chaos at our airports, and which senators are going to block TSA funding yet again.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic leader

“This is a pox on everybody's house. You've got people standing in lines at the airports. This needs to be fixed. It needs to get resolved and there are good-faith efforts being made finally on all the relevant issues.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

“The American people have had enough of this rogue agency. We need to rein it in. And we are negotiating right now over how to do that.”

— Patty Murray, Ranking Democrat on Senate Appropriations Committee

What’s next

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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.