Congress Deadlocked as Homeland Security Shutdown Hits Day 33

Congressional leaders remain at an impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security as the shutdown enters its 33rd day. TSA workers continue operating without pay while airport security delays worsen, with over 366 agents quitting since the funding lapse began.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional negotiations to end the Department of Homeland Security funding crisis show little progress as the shutdown reaches its 33rd day, despite urgent appeals from President Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.

For over a month, Democratic lawmakers have blocked funding for specific DHS agencies, demanding accountability following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. The funding dispute affects major enforcement divisions including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Airport security operations face mounting pressure as Transportation Security Administration officials report worsening delays at multiple locations. Unpaid screeners are increasingly calling in sick or leaving their positions entirely.

House Democrats are pursuing a discharge petition to force consideration of legislation by Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut that would restore funding to TSA and select DHS components while excluding ICE, Border Protection, and the secretary’s office.

Though such petitions rarely succeed, Democrats point to their recent victory using the same tactic to compel release of Jeffrey Epstein documents from the Justice Department.

“Discharge petitions are difficult, some say impossible,” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries declared during a Capitol steps gathering. “But for us, difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week.”

Republican leadership argues the department must operate at full capacity given current security threats, rejecting partial funding approaches.

“It was created in the wake of 9/11. Democrats are acting like it’s September 10th, before 9/11 happened,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana stated.

The Democratic petition needs signatures from all party members plus four Republicans to trigger a floor vote. Even if successful in the House, the measure would face significant Senate obstacles requiring 60 votes for advancement.

During confirmation hearings, Trump’s DHS nominee commended the more than 100,000 department employees working without compensation while urging swift resolution.

“We have to realize that we’re putting our homeland and the peace of mind at risk for the American people,” Mullin testified to the nomination panel.

Private negotiations continue as Democrats submitted their latest funding proposal to the White House, though Republicans characterize it as virtually identical to offers from three weeks ago.

The administration outlined immigration enforcement modifications already accepted in correspondence to Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Katie Britt of Alabama, including expanded body camera usage except during undercover work, restricted civil enforcement at sensitive sites like hospitals and schools, enhanced inspector general oversight with mandatory compliance reviews, and clear officer identification requirements during enforcement actions.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed these concessions as insufficient Wednesday.

“The White House is still refusing to engage on some of the most pressing demands Democrats have called for since day one,” Schumer remarked.

Floor proceedings highlighted the ongoing stalemate when Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia proposed TSA funding through September, only to meet Republican objections. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma countered with two-week full DHS funding, which Warnock rejected.

The exchange reflects repeated Democratic attempts at selective September funding versus Republican insistence on comprehensive short-term measures during negotiations.

“This is silly to break this up into aspects of who’s going to get funding and who’s not going to get funding,” Lankford argued, while Warnock characterized ICE as “an unaccountable paramilitary force wreaking havoc on the streets of our country.”

Trump administration social media accounts documented shutdown consequences while assigning blame to Democrats.

“Right now, our heroic TSA officers are not being paid, and many cannot pay their rent, buy food, or afford to put gas in their cars,” the Department of Homeland Security posted. “Some are even staying in airports overnight because they can’t afford their commute.”

TSA acting deputy administrator Adam Stahl identified Philadelphia airport among locations experiencing extended screening delays due to increased worker absences.

“The reality of the situation is this is going to get worse before it gets better if we don’t see any sort of action in Congress,” he told CNN.

Department data shows more than 366 TSA personnel have resigned during the shutdown, creating staffing shortages complicated by four to six month training requirements for replacements.