The US Senate has voted to end a partial 40-day government shutdown, approving funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - with the exception of immigration enforcement.
The almost six-week funding lapse has seen knock-on disruption at US airports, as security workers' salaries are paid by the DHS, leading to hundreds of workers quitting since the shutdown began.
Democrats had refused to agree to a funding deal without reforms to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, but the Senate reached unanimous agreement after stripping ICE and parts of border protection from the measure.
Now, the funding measures face a vote in the House of Representatives, as the country hopes this package can bring an end to widespread airport disruption, where travelers have experienced long queues due to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers.
Approximately 50,000 TSA agents, who work under the DHS, have been working without pay since mid-February, resulting in staff shortages as workers have opted to leave their positions.
Recent reports from travelers at various airports describe chaotic scenes, with long wait times exacerbated by a significant reduction in TSA service capacity.
President Trump has indicated plans to sign an executive order for immediate payment to TSA agents, highlighting the urgent situation at US airports.
Following the Senate vote, opinions were divided; Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the lack of a comprehensive funding bill, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out the necessity of including critical funding for TSA and other emergency services in the package.
Democratic lawmakers have insisted on reforms before they will agree to ICE funding, including the cessation of ICE’s controversial practices and increased oversight.
This latest development is a critical step in addressing the operational challenges faced by airports due to the prolonged government shutdown, with a firm eye on restoring normalcy for the traveling public.
