Bill to fund US homeland security fails again as concern grows about airport lines

A Department of Homeland Security funding bill failed to advance in the Senate on Friday as Democrats withheld support, leaving the agency without approved appropriations. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he would introduce an alternative measure Saturday to fund only the Transportation Security Administration, which screens passengers at airports. The impasse comes as travelers face mounting delays at security checkpoints nationwide, creating political pressure on both parties to resolve the standoff. Without funding approval, TSA operations and other homeland security functions face potential disruption. A weekend Senate session is underway with Democrats signaling their alternative proposal may also struggle to gain passage.