Senate Unanimously Approves Partial Funding for DHS, Excluding ICE and Border Patrol The U.S. Senate passed a funding measure late Wednesday, approving financial support for most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and part of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The decision, reached during an unusual overnight session, aims to restore operations for agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard, though the House must still approve the plan before affected departments can fully resume operations. Negotiations between Senate leaders and lawmakers collapsed earlier in the day, prompting senators to prioritize passing a partial funding agreement by unanimous consent. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, speaking before the vote, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re gonna execute on as much as DHS as we can tonight, and then we’ll fund the rest of it later.” The agreement marks a critical step toward resolving a government funding stalemate that has left thousands of DHS workers unpaid, causing widespread travel disruptions and missed flights. The funding impasse has intensified tensions on Capitol Hill, with senators pushing to end the crisis before a scheduled two-week recess. Thune clarified that the Senate’s measure would cover all DHS components except ICE and CBP, though he noted that parts of Customs and Border Protection, such as customs operations, would receive funding. He acknowledged that the House’s response remains uncertain, stating, “I don’t know what the House will do,” but expressed hope that lawmakers would act swiftly to reopen government services.#department_of_homeland_security #customs_and_border_protection #immigration_and_customs_enforcement #us_senate #senate_majority_leader_john_thune
Philadelphia International Airport Operations and TSA Wait Times Update As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues to impact federal operations, Philadelphia International Airport remains affected with several security checkpoints closed. On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the airport reported ongoing disruptions due to the shutdown, with TSA security checkpoints at Terminals A-West, C, and F still unavailable. Despite these closures, all terminals remain open and accessible to passengers, who can navigate to open checkpoints at other terminals. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been deployed to assist with long wait times at TSA checkpoints across the country, including Philadelphia International Airport. Reports indicate that ICE agents were present at Terminal D on Tuesday, March 24, supporting TSA operations at both PreCheck and traditional security lines. This deployment was part of a broader effort to address staffing shortages at major airports, as highlighted by CNN’s list of 13 airports where ICE agents were temporarily assigned. Live updates for TSA wait times at Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday, March 25, showed varying delays across terminals. Terminal A-East had standard security wait times of 14 minutes and TSA PreCheck lines at 2 minutes. Terminal B reported a shorter standard security wait of 6 minutes, while Terminal D/E had standard security delays of 5 minutes and PreCheck lines at 2 minutes. These times are subject to change and can be monitored through the airport’s checkpoint hours page. TSA PreCheck remains operational at Terminals A-East and D/E, with specific hours provided for each location. Terminal A-East’s standard security checkpoints are open from 4:15 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.#tsa #philadelphia #department_of_homeland_security #philadelphia_international_airport #immigration_and_customs_enforcement
