DHS Shutdown Stalemate Deepens as Senate Faces New Flashpoints

Security lines are growing at the nation’s airports as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown extends into its second month. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says approximately 300 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have quit and callout rates have doubled since the shutdown began. TSA workers are showing up on the job without pay and missed a paycheck on Friday. 

Meanwhile, CEOs of major U.S. airlines sent a letter to Congress saying there’s an urgent need to end the shutdown and ensure that federal aviation employees are paid during future shutdowns.

“TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid,” stated the letter. 

Democrats Weigh Options

Meanwhile, congressional Democrats are discussing ways to end the shutdown by splitting off Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reforms and funding the rest of DHS. 

"We need, in my view, to cut away all the conversation on ICE, which is its own conversation," said Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). 

But Senate Democratic leaders are holding firm on the need for immigration enforcement reforms. 

"Democrats’ position is simple: we want reforms to rein in ICE and Border Patrol," said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). "We also want TSA and FEMA funded — but we are not going to be blackmailed into cutting a blank check for ICE to get it done."

Also pending the Senate this week is the confirmation hearing for President Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. 

Some are looking to Senator Mullin becoming DHS Secretary to break the stalemate. 

“That’s an opportunity for Markwayne Mullin, who has been a senator, who knows the process, has friends on the Democrat side, to provide a leadership opportunity for the rest of America,” said Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu.  

SAVE America Act 

Also complicating matters this week is the Senate taking up the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and a voter ID to cast a ballot. President Trump has threatened to not sign any legislation until it passes the Senate. 

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said all Senate Democrats will oppose the bill as written when it comes to the floor. Republicans will need some Democrat support to overcome a filibuster and advance the bill.