Many Americans are understandably upset right now.
A standoff between Democrats and Republicans in Congress has resulted in a partial government shutdown, causing significant uncertainty for those traveling during spring break. It’s pretty outrageous.
Democrats are holding firm against defunding the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE, in response to a deportation operation in Minnesota that tragically resulted in the deaths of two protesters. However, it’s worth noting that ICE’s funding is secure until 2029. Their refusal to compromise feels frustrating but, well, it’s affecting airport security badly. The disruption of funds to the Transportation Security Administration and other sectors within DHS that aren’t related to border control has had serious consequences.
TSA warns that small airports face potential closure due to funding issues with DHS
On the other side, Republicans are not budging either. They’re hindering efforts to only fund portions of DHS, such as the TSA, that some leaders agree on. This is really not the time to dig in like that.
As wait times at airports stretch into hours, and security lines become overwhelmingly long, Congress really needs to step up.
There’s a reason Congress is facing such low approval ratings. The latest Gallup poll shows just 16% of Americans approve of how their representatives are performing. That’s astonishingly low—one of the worst ratings ever, only slightly better than the previous shutdown’s 14%. Back in November 2013, after another budget delay, approval ratings hit a historic low of 9%. The takeaway is clear: “Get to work.”
In fact, research has shown that people find NFL referee changes, colonoscopies, and toenail fungus tests more favorable than Congress. And let’s be honest, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer probably wouldn’t be thrilled to learn that an agency like ICE, which Democrats often criticize, actually has a better reputation than Congress.
Opinions among the public are split on who deserves the blame for the ongoing TSA problems. Republicans point fingers at Democrats, who have caused government shutdowns four times in the last year and a half. Mr. Schumer seems mainly focused on opposing President Trump, while frustration grows among voters who wish lawmakers would do more to inhibit the President’s policies. Schumer and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries seem to be responding to this frustration by withholding pay for TSA personnel, FEMA workers, and some Coast Guard employees, which is really unfortunate for countless dedicated public servants.
Republicans fear that Schumer and others will keep ICE and Border Patrol underfunded indefinitely, turning down Democratic proposals to only fund parts of DHS such as TSA. The image of the government agencies tasked with border protection has been tarnished by Democrats, making it seem like defunding those involved in tracking child traffickers and potential terrorists is a tactical win for them.
This situation is even more pressing given that the country has faced multiple terrorist threats in recent weeks and remains vulnerable due to the war with Iran and years of unregulated border crossings. It feels unconscionable for Democrats to deny citizens the protections created by the Department of Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks. Sure, long TSA lines make everything worse, but neglecting national security is far more dire.
Homan responds to CNN host regarding ICE’s plan at airports
The White House and Republicans have offered several concessions to Democrats, including new regulations for ICE officers to wear body cameras and restricting enforcement actions in sensitive areas like schools and churches. Furthermore, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, President Trump’s choice to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, has expressed willingness to accept additional demands from Democrats, such as needing judicial rather than executive warrants, which can slow down enforcement efforts.
Yet, President Trump and ICE leadership are not on board with any mask bans for their agents. They have to present identification upon request, but wearing masks offers protection against being targeted by activists who see federal law enforcement as adversaries. Lately, ICE agents have faced rising threats, with some activists even endangering officers’ safety by publicizing their personal information. Democrats seem to be pushing for policies that could expose ICE agents even further.
This Friday, TSA employees will not receive a paycheck for an entire month. So, is it really surprising that so many are staying home? It’s understandable that security lines just keep getting longer.
The White House is deploying ICE agents at airports nationwide to help address TSA’s staffing shortages. Ironically, if these ICE officers can help restore normalcy to airport operations, it may only serve to further frustrate Democrats.
Currently, Americans are reaching a breaking point, becoming increasingly angry with both sides for failing to resolve funding issues with DHS. Some Republicans, like Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski, seem willing to give in to Democratic demands by funding TSA and other non-ICE agencies. In contrast, Texas Senator Ted Cruz has a more constructive approach. He suggests immediately funding TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard, while establishing a new budget reconciliation bill by year’s end to secure funding for ICE.
Republicans should consider Mr. Cruz’s suggestion. They could leverage the reconciliation process to achieve other important goals, like funding the SAVE Act. The reconciliation strategy that enabled the passing of significant legislation could provide a pathway to bypass the filibuster and propel the country forward.
It’s a win-win situation, and that’s really what people want right now.
