President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Congress to quickly resolve the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, warning that failure to act could force the administration to take “very drastic measures.” Speaking from the White House during a cabinet meeting, Trump did not specify what actions he might take or his direct involvement in negotiations to restore DHS funding. The shutdown, now lasting more than a month, has severely disrupted air travel, with Transportation Security Administration agents going unpaid and missing shifts, creating long lines and mounting frustration among travelers.
Earlier this week, Senate Republicans presented Trump with a compromise plan to fund 94% of DHS while excluding the enforcement and removal operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats rejected the proposal, citing the absence of long-sought ICE reforms, including requiring judicial warrants for property entry and banning the use of masks. Republicans, in turn, rejected the Democrats’ counteroffer. The impasse also threatens to cut into a planned two-week Senate recess, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune saying it remains uncertain if lawmakers can leave as scheduled. In the meantime, the administration has deployed ICE agents to assist TSA at airports, and Trump indicated that National Guard members could be sent to provide further support.
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