SAVE America Act and DHS Funding Standoff

April 10, 2025 – March 26, 2026

Where Things Stand

The SAVE America Act is currently stalled in the Senate after Democrats blocked a key procedural vote, leaving the legislation without a clear path to passage. Consequently, the Department of Homeland Security remains in a partial shutdown, forcing 260,000 employees to work without pay and causing severe travel delays at major U.S. airports.

How We Got Here

Mar 23, 2026The Senate holds a fourth cloture motion on the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act as the funding standoff continues. [H.R. 7147]

Mar 21, 2026Senate Democrats block a procedural vote to advance the SAVE America Act, preventing the bill from moving to a final vote. [The Atlantic]

Mar 11, 2026Senator Jacky Rosen introduces legislation to ensure TSA employees receive paychecks during the ongoing government shutdown. [S. 4073]

Key Statements

BBloomberg Business

“DHS screeners work without pay due to a congressional funding lapse, causing significant airport security delays as lawmakers fail to reach a budget agreement.”

This confirms the real-world impact of the funding standoff on national infrastructure and federal workers.

TThe Wall Street Journal

“The Senate begins debate on the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for voting, following its passage in the House.”

This identifies the specific legislation that is currently the primary point of contention in the Senate.

Policies— 11 policys

These 11 bills represent a clash between the annual $90 billion DHS budget (H.R. 7147) and the SAVE America Act (S. 1383). S. 1383 is the primary vehicle for voter ID requirements after the House merged several related bills (H.R. 22, H.R. 7296) into it. Meanwhile, measures like S. 4073 and H.R. 5732 are narrow 'stopgap' attempts to pay airport security staff while the broader funding fight continues.

S. 4073

Sen. Rosen Introduces TSA Pay Act of 2026 to Fund Airport Security During Shutdown

Mar 12

H.R. 7744

Congress Proposes $26 Billion for Disaster Relief and New Rules for Border Security in 2026 Budget

Mar 2

H.R. 7147

House Passes Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, Including $26B Disaster Relief Fund

Feb 24

H.R. 7481

House Committee Reviews DHS Funding Bill With $26B for Disaster Relief, Equal Airport Screening for Congress

Feb 11