A partial government shutdown looms into the weekend as the House is expected to vote on the funding package on Monday.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal workers across the country are once again bracing for uncertainty as a partial government shutdown appears likely this weekend, despite Senate action aimed at keeping the government funded.
The Senate passed a bipartisan spending package late Friday, ahead of the midnight deadline to avert a shutdown. The House, however, has yet to vote on the measure and is expected to do so on Monday.
The funding debate is drawing close attention from federal workers in the Sacramento region, including Transportation Security Administration employees at Sacramento International Airport. The union representing TSA workers there said it remains hopeful Congress can reach a solution but warned there could be impacts if the funding fight continues.
On Friday evening, U.S. senators approved a package of bills to keep the government open. As part of the deal, lawmakers set aside a funding agreement for the Department of Homeland Security, a move pushed by Democrats. A separate vote on Homeland Security funding is expected in two weeks.
“Members are working on moving forward on a deal to fund the government and working on legislation desperately needed to reign in ICE’s abuses,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Some Republican lawmakers pointed fingers within their own party after a failed vote Thursday.
“The reason why we’re not moving forward today does not have anything to do with the Democrats, it has to do with a handful of Republicans who are refusing to let us move forward,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C).
California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff was among those who voted no on Friday’s spending deal. In a message posted to social media, Schiff said he wants to see stronger changes within the Department of Homeland Security.
“Real reforms and not just promises reforms, but statutory requirements that attack these mass sweeps against the opposition of mayors and governors,” Schiff said.
At Sacramento International Airport, James Mudrock, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1230, said the situation is frustrating for workers who could again be caught in the middle of a political fight.
“It’s very disappointing that we can’t come to a resolution on this. Our people are not pawns,” Mudrock said.
TSA workers represented by the union went without pay during the last government shutdown, which lasted 43 days. Mudrock said that period caused significant financial strain for many employees.
“They’re people with families and to take care of mortgages, rent payments, car payments, all that kind of thing,” he said.
Even as they prepare for the possibility of a shutdown through the weekend, union leaders said TSA workers remain committed to their jobs and do not expect travelers to notice disruptions.
“I believe that passengers will not see an impact on this. Our people will be at work,” Mudrock said. “Our people are dedicated to public safety and security of the transportation system and protecting the public.”
The House could pass the spending deal as soon as Monday.
Homeland Security funding delayed in US Senate agreement
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