STORY: The U.S. Senate voted early Friday to end a partial government shutdown that led to massive lines at airport security checkpoints across the country.
But senators did not resolve a dispute over immigration enforcement that prompted the six-week standoff in the first place.
The legislation does, however, restore funding for most of the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA officers who have worked without pay since mid-February.
Many of them have called in sick or resigned since the partial shutdown began... causing hours of delays for frustrated air travelers, and many missed flights.
On Friday morning in Atlanta, for example, passengers were told to expect wait times of up to four hours.
Here's Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
"This long overdue agreement funds TSA (Transportation Security Administration), the Coast Guard, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), strengthens security at the border in the ports of entry, and keeps Americans safe. This could have been accomplished weeks ago if Republicans hadn't stood in the way."
Democrats had blocked DHS funding after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, using what little leverage they have in Washington to try to impose restraints on Trump's immigration crackdown.
Now Republicans are expected to try to secure funding on their own through a cumbersome procedure that lets them bypass Democrat opposition.
Senate Majority Leader, John Thune:
"We are here because, thanks to Democrats determined refusal to reach an agreement, there will be no Homeland Security funding bill this year. Instead, just a few minutes ago, Republicans funded the Department of Homeland Security piecemeal. It's not the way to fund the department, Mr. President, but we are out of time for the critical responsibilities and tens of thousands of workers currently going without pay."
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives must also pass the bill before Trump can sign it into law.
