Washington, March 29 (NationPress) A funding deadlock has significantly impacted US airports, leaving thousands of federal employees without pay. White House border czar Tom Homan stated that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel will receive compensation only "once Congress reopens the government and allocates funds to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)."

In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Homan indicated that steps were being taken to ensure timely payment for TSA workers, but emphasized that a comprehensive solution relies on the US Congress.

"The government needs to reopen and DHS must be funded. That is the critical step," he remarked.

Homan mentioned there was "a plan in place to issue payments to TSA agents, hopefully by tomorrow or Tuesday." The ongoing partial shutdown has resulted in extended security lines at key airports, prompting officials to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to support TSA operations.

Homan defended the decision, asserting that ICE personnel were effective in alleviating congestion. "Every location where we deploy ICE officers sees a reduction in wait times," he stated, noting that agents were checking identification and ensuring secure exit points.

However, detractors claim this approach falls short. A union leader criticized the deployment, likening it to "administering a teaspoon of cough syrup to someone suffering from pneumonia." The prolonged funding standoff has revealed deep divisions in Washington.

A bipartisan Senate proposal intended to partially fund DHS was blocked in the House, where Republican leaders opposed it. The contention revolves around funding for immigration enforcement agencies and suggested limitations on ICE activities.

Homan accused lawmakers who resist the US administration's strategy of trying to hinder enforcement efforts. "They aim to stop ICE from fulfilling its duties," he stated, adding, "If they disagree with ICE's actions, they should amend the law." Meanwhile, Democrats argue that any additional funding should be contingent on reforms.

Senator Andy Kim cautioned that the ongoing impasse negatively affects ordinary Americans. "For those waiting in line at the airports... that's a direct result of Speaker Mike Johnson prioritizing his position over your struggles," Kim expressed.

He also criticized the US administration for delaying assistance to TSA workers despite having the authority to act sooner, asserting that the shutdown "should have concluded" long ago.

This deadlock coincides with escalated security concerns, with officials citing global tensions as justification for fully funding the DHS. Homan insisted that the agency should be prioritized "at a time when we are facing a heightened threat level in this country." Currently, the US Congress is on a two-week recess, leaving uncertainty regarding when an agreement may be achieved.

In the interim, federal employees across DHS—including Coast Guard members, cybersecurity personnel, and support teams—continue to be affected by the standoff. This situation has evolved into a significant political issue, intertwining with discussions on immigration policy, federal expenditure, and executive authority. It has sparked protests nationwide and heightened partisan rhetoric as elections approach.