general

US Senate fails seventh time to advance partial DHS funding bill

Senators voted 53-47, short of the 60 votes needed, as the DHS remains largely unfunded for almost six weeks and President Trump plans an order to pay TSA staff.

Mar 27th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Senate vote was 53-47, falling short of the 60 votes required and marking the seventh failed attempt to move the legislation.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has been largely unfunded for almost six weeks, affecting TSA, CISA, the Coast Guard and FEMA.
  • President Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay TSA agents.
  • Republicans offered to fund parts of DHS while excluding ICE enforcement, and Democrats sought new guardrails on immigration enforcement, leaving negotiators deadlocked.
  • TSA reports historic airport wait times, major staffing shortages and widespread lost pay, with many officers not reporting to work or quitting.