SAVE America Act and DHS Funding Standoff

April 10, 2025 – March 27, 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

TThe Hill

“President Trump rejects a Senate-passed Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing insufficient funding for ICE and CBP.”

This explains the primary source of the legislative deadlock that led to the DHS shutdown.

TThe Boston Globe

“President Trump signs an executive action to pay TSA employees using existing funds after Congress failed to pass DHS funding, declaring an emergency to maintain national security.”

This details the specific executive action taken to resolve the staffing crisis during the shutdown.

Who This Affects

27 groups

Conflicting

Policies

The SAVE America Act exists as several similar bills, but S. 1383 is the main version that passed the House with a 218-213 vote. These voting requirements are tied to the broader 2026 Department of Homeland Security budget, which includes $26 billion for disaster relief and $18 billion for border security across bills like H.R. 7147 and H.R. 7744.

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

Mar 27

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.R. 7744

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

Mar 2

H.R. 7147