Homeland Security Shutdown Negotiations

Senators are urgently working to finalize a proposal to end the Homeland Security shutdown, which began in mid-February. The shutdown has led to significant disruptions at U.S. airports, with long security lines and a high number of United States — Social Security Administration workers missing work or quitting due to unpaid wages. The core of the dispute revolves around funding for United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and restraints on Donald Trump's immigration and deportation agenda. A potential breakthrough emerged after Republican senators met with Donald Trump, who had previously deployed federal immigration officers at airports and linked funding to his SAVE America Act. The proposed deal would fund most of the United States — United States Department of Homeland Security, including the United States — Social Security Administration and United States — United States Customs and Border Protection, but would exclude a main part of ICE's enforcement operations and include guardrails for officers. Kristi Noem was ousted as Homeland Security secretary, and Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as her replacement. Delta Air Lines has suspended specialty services for members of Congress due to the shutdown.