After a partial shutdown of the government lasting 40 days, the US Senate passed a package of funding to allow operations at Homeland Security to resume. To break the impasse, however, the lawmakers excluded immigration enforcement agencies including ICE from the agreement.
This shutdown has had an impact on US airline travel. The shutdown caused a shortage of staff and delays for passengers across the nation.
Trump Supports TSA Workers
Donald Trump, the US president, announced that he was going to sign an executive directive before the Senate vote. This would ensure TSA agents receive immediate payment.
John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader, criticized Democrats over their funding crisis. John Thune said that Democrats’ refusal to compromise earlier had forced Republicans to pass Homeland Security as a partial bill instead of approving the full measure.
Democrats Call for Reforms to ICE
Chuck Schumer, Democratic Minority leader, defended the position of his party. He confirmed that the funding package included agencies such as the TSA Coast Guard and FEMA.
Before approving funding, Democrats called for reforms at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Democrats demanded a ban of agents in masks and stricter regulations against racial profileing. They also called for mandatory warrants to enter private properties.
During an operation earlier in the year, federal agents killed Renee Good, a US citizen, and Alex Pretti. This case has intensified the criticisms of ICE’s practices across the country.
The impact of the shutdown is highlighted by airport chaos
Many workers stopped coming to work and hundreds quit.Only 30% to 50% checkpoints were open in some airports.
Passengers faced severe delays. Travelers in Houston waited for hours on end, as they sat through long and winding lines. They thought they were at security only to discover another queue ahead.
