The shutdown isn't over yet. Here's where DHS funding stands
The shutdown isn't over yet. Here's where DHS funding stands
Nicole Fallert, USA TODAYFri, March 27, 2026 at 2:26 PM UTC
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It's not quite over yet.
An end to the partial government shutdown could be on the horizon early Friday, March 27, as the House prepares to take up a measure that would fund the Department of Homeland Security. The deal passed the Senate in the dead of night early Friday, paving the way for members of Congress to end the weekslong shutdown that has left airports in turmoil.
Here's where things stand as of Friday morning and what it means for you.
1 / 0ICE agents appear at airports as TSA delays snarl check-in
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents patrol at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026. Hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airports to help fill TSA staffing gaps across the country.
What's the House voting on?
The agreement headed to a House vote on Friday funds the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration, among other DHS agencies.
The legislation, which passed by unanimous consent in the Senate, doesn't including funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol because both of these divisions of DHS already received big cash infusions as part of the so-called "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act" passed last year.
GOP Senators stepped into gear after President Donald Trump threatened to fund TSA without Congress' involvement on Thursday.
Senate Democrats ultimately allowed the measure, despite its omission of the demands they repeatedly said were non-negotiable following the killings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. A ban on mask-wearing by federal agents and requirements for judicial warrants for immigration raids were among Democrats' requirements left out of the final deal (though it did include some accountability measures for DHS).
Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune speaks at the Capitol on March 24, 2026.
Whether this version of a DHS lifeline will survive the majority-GOP House will be proven Friday as House members cast votes. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) posted on X early Friday that the House should take the opportunity to add voter ID to the measure, too.
But time for negotiation is limited: Both the Senate and House are eager to leave town for a two-week spring break recess on Friday.
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And once they return to Washington, the fight over immigration reforms isn't over: Congressional Republicans are likely to attempt to pass more funding for ICE and Border Patrol ahead of the midterm elections, while Democrats will resurrect calls for reforms. These debates also precede the midterm elections, when Republicans will aim to maintain hold of narrow majorities in Congress.
What does this mean for Americans?
Even with signs of life on Capitol Hill, air travel may not course correct right away. The deal still needs to work its way through the House and go to Trump's desk for signature. That means Americans may still be waiting in long airport lines across the country.
And even if the House approves the deal and Trump waves his Sharpie, the over 40-day shutdown could leave a residue: Thousands of depleted TSA agents have called out sick or left their jobs in order to support themselves. They have a lot to catch up on after weeks without pay. Many agents have struggled to afford health care costs, child care and other expenses during the shutdown. Some have quit the job altogether.
More: Unpaid TSA workers face 'exhausting anxiety' during shutdown
DHS has also not confirmed whether ICE officers deployed to some U.S. airports to support amid long queues will leave right away upon Trump signing a funding deal.
Support TSA workers: Airports accepting donations for TSA employees.
That means for Americans heading to the airport on Friday, check airport wait times and plan accordingly for things to look a bit different.
Contributing: Zachary Schermele
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is the 2026 partial government shutdown over? Latest on DHS funding
Source: “AOL Breaking”
