The White House and Republican senators are exploring ways for President Donald Trump to bypass Congress and use unspent government funds to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, as a partial government shutdown causes chaos at airports across the United States.
According to the Wall Street Journal, some Senate Republicans have proposed that Trump declare a national emergency under the National Emergency Act, which would allow him to redirect unspent dollars to temporarily cover TSA salaries. The idea was discussed at a private lunch on Thursday, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune outlining plans, the Washington Post reported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been unfunded for 41 days due to a deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding, following an incident where border agents killed two Americans. Democrats refuse to fund DHS without restrictions on ICE, while Republicans insist on funding ICE separately, leaving TSA workers unpaid.
Earlier this week, Trump attempted to link DHS funding to his Save America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of trying to 'sabotage negotiations.' Meanwhile, the White House rejected an offer from Elon Musk to cover TSA salaries with $250 million, citing legal challenges due to Musk's federal contracts.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that while discussions are ongoing, no preparations for a national emergency are underway. She emphasised that the 'best and easiest way to pay TSA Agents is to fund DHS.' The shutdown has led to increased airport disruptions, with Trump deploying ICE agents to airports nationwide.
