Department of Homeland Security Funding and SAVE America Act

February 5, 2025 – March 28, 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.

The Facts

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

CCBS News

“The House passes a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security through May 22, but the Senate's recess delays action as the partial government shutdown enters its sixth week.”

This article confirms the duration of the shutdown and the legislative gridlock between the House and Senate.

WWashington Examiner

“House passes a 60-day funding patch to fully reopen DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol with support from three Democrats, challenging a Senate deal that excluded those agencies.”

This highlights the specific agencies affected and the small group of Democrats who broke party lines.

Who This Affects

27 groups

Conflicting

Policies

These bills represent competing versions of the 2026 budget and the SAVE Act. H.R. 7147 became the primary vehicle for funding the Department of Homeland Security after the House and Senate reconciled different spending priorities for border security and disaster relief.

Trump Orders Emergency Pay for 60,000 TSA Workers Amid Ongoing DHS Shutdown

Mar 27

H.Res. 1128

Department of Homeland Security: Support for Full Funding

Mar 26

S. 4127

Sen. Rosen Pushes Bill to Pay TSA Workers During Ongoing Government Shutdown

Mar 18

S. 4073

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

Mar 12

H.Res. 1095