Senate fails to end DHS shutdown for a fifth time as airline passengers endure travel chaos

The Senate failed for a fifth time to fund the Department of Homeland Security, as airline passengers fought through massive lines at security checkpoints and faced mounting delays and cancellations.

Only 84 senators showed up for the vote, which failed to clear a 60-vote threshold or even a simple majority.

The Senate failed for a fifth time to fund the Department of Homeland Security. AP

Passengers wait in long TSA lines as a partial government shutdown continues at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. REUTERS

Just 46 Republicans and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted to refund DHS. Thirty-seven Democrats voted against reopening the department.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has accused the GOP of holding the funding “hostage” so Immigration and Customs Enforcement could continue to function.

“Every previous vote offered by the Republicans has tied TSA [Transportation Security Administration] funding to also continue funding for ICE without any reform of ICE,” Schumer said in a floor speech Friday.

DHS has been unfunded for 34 days, meaning the TSA, Federal Emergency Management Agency and other critical subagencies are shut down.