Trending Now - Senate Again Blocks DHS Funding Bill Amid Airport Line Concerns

WHO:

President Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Republican Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota, White House border czar Tom Homan, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, and 16 senators who did not vote.

WHAT:

The Senate failed to advance legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 20th, 2026, with a vote of 47 to 37, failing to meet the 60-vote threshold.

This marks the fifth attempt since February 12th, 2026, to advance a House-passed bill to fund DHS through September 2026.

DHS has been shut down since February 14th, 2026.

Senate Democrats are demanding reforms to immigration enforcement practices as a condition for reopening DHS.

Schumer stated that lawmakers would have another chance to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on March 21st, 2026.

Call-out rates for TSA employees have increased, leading to longer screening times at airports.

WHERE:

The Senate, Washington, D.C., and various airports across the United States.

WHEN:

The Senate vote occurred on March 20th, 2026.

The next procedural vote on TSA funding is scheduled for March 21st, 2026.

DHS has been shut down since February 14th, 2026.

WHY:

Democrats are insisting on reforms to immigration enforcement practices due to concerns following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.

The shutdown has caused significant delays and chaos at airports, prompting urgent calls for resolution.

HOW:

A bipartisan group of senators met with Tom Homan on March 19th and March 20th, 2026, to discuss funding and immigration enforcement.

The White House has proposed several changes, including expanded use of body cameras and limiting civil immigration enforcement activities at sensitive locations.

Schumer indicated that Democrats would propose an alternative measure to fund TSA separately from the broader DHS funding.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 07:14 UTC)

The Senate failed to advance legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security on March 20, 2026, with a vote of 47 to 37, marking the fifth attempt since February 12 to pass a House-passed bill. DHS has been shut down since February 14, causing significant delays and chaos at airports, while Senate Democrats are demanding reforms to immigration enforcement practices before they agree to reopen the department. Lawmakers will have another chance to address TSA funding today, as call-out rates for TSA employees have increased, leading to longer screening times at airports across the country.