Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy issued a stark warning to the Senate on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to cancel their upcoming two-week recess until they pass a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The California Republican argued that the ongoing 40-day partial shutdown is creating a national security vulnerability, with Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages now causing hours-long security lines at major airports.
"You can't leave until this is done," McCarthy declared during an interview on NewsNation. "I mean, you're really putting America in jeopardy." His comments come as the Senate prepares to depart Washington this weekend, despite having failed to resolve the funding impasse that began on February 14.
TSA Workforce in Crisis
The political deadlock is having a severe operational impact. More than 400 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began, according to DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Lauren Bis. On Sunday alone, approximately 11.76% of the TSA workforce called out sick, exacerbating a staffing crisis that has left tens of thousands of employees working without pay for weeks.
The consequences are visible at airports nationwide. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, advised passengers to allow at least four hours to clear security due to "current federal conditions." Similar backlogs have been reported at other major hubs, with wait times stretching for hours over the weekend as a growing number of officers quit or call in sick, citing financial hardship.
Bipartisan Resistance Stalls Deal
Earlier this week, a potential breakthrough emerged when former President Donald Trump signaled support for a proposal to reopen DHS while separating funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, that optimism collapsed on Tuesday as lawmakers from both parties rejected the option, demonstrating the deep divisions over immigration policy that have paralyzed negotiations.
Democrats continue to demand new restrictions on ICE operations as a condition for funding, while Republicans accuse them of refusing to compromise. "I don't know what this has to do with ICE, but this is what [Democrats] are holding up," McCarthy said, expressing frustration that agencies like TSA, FEMA, the Secret Service, and Coast Guard are suffering due to the dispute over immigration enforcement.
The standoff represents a significant escalation of the broader congressional deadlock affecting multiple areas of governance. While ICE operations have been largely insulated from the shutdown due to prior funding, frontline security agencies are now experiencing acute strain.
Political Pressure Mounts
McCarthy's public pressure campaign reflects growing concern among some Republicans about the political and practical fallout. Several GOP senators have already called for the chamber to remain in session, arguing that leaving town while critical security functions deteriorate would be irresponsible.
The former Speaker highlighted the human cost, noting that many TSA officers are enduring their third shutdown without pay. "These poor TSA agents who have...this is their third time doing this without being paid, still asking me to come to work," he told host Blake Burman.
With the Easter recess scheduled to begin Saturday and no clear path forward, the prospect of a quick resolution appears dim. The impasse continues even as public frustration mounts over travel disruptions and concerns grow about the long-term damage to federal workforce morale and retention.
