Washington: US senators are discussing a proposal to end the Homeland Security funding impasse, aiming to provide pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport workers while excluding ICE enforcement and removal operations, the core dispute in the budget standoff.

The stalemate has left airports nationwide struggling with severe staffing shortages. Since the partial government shutdown began on 14 February, at least 458 TSA officers have quit, and nearly 11% of agents — more than 3,200 nationwide — missed work on Monday alone, leading to hours-long security lines.

At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, standard security wait times averaged three to four hours, with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes unavailable at terminals A and E. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport advised passengers to allow at least four hours for screening, while New York-area airports — LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty — temporarily suspended live TSA wait-time updates due to rapidly changing conditions.

Delta Air Lines highlighted the impact on passengers, noting that “safety and taking care of our people and customers has become increasingly difficult” due to resource constraints from the shutdown. Delta has also suspended congressional escort services, treating lawmakers as regular passengers.

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Adding to tensions, ICE officers were deployed to airport terminals to support TSA operations, prompting concerns from lawmakers and aviation unions about safety and operational roles. ICE personnel were observed assisting at Philadelphia International Airport, O’Hare in Chicago, JFK, Newark, Atlanta, and New Orleans, though not directly in TSA screening lanes.

Experts advise travellers to check airport websites and social media for updates, build extra buffer time, and consider alternative airports or travel options. Houston officials warned passengers about long queues in areas without restrooms or food services.

Negotiations continue in Washington, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling discussions “positive and productive,” while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said both parties are “working in a serious way” toward a resolution. A breakthrough could see funding restored for TSA and other Homeland Security divisions, stabilising airport operations ahead of the spring travel season.

AP