The United States Senate has approved a funding measure for key operations under the Department of Homeland Security, but resistance from the United States House of Representatives threatens to prolong an ongoing budget impasse affecting airport security services.

The bill, passed early Friday, provides funding for agencies including the Transportation Security Administration, the US Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, while excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol.

However, House Republicans swiftly opposed the proposal, signalling insufficient support for its passage and effectively blocking efforts to resolve the standoff that has left thousands of airport security personnel working without pay since mid-February.

The funding lapse has significantly disrupted operations at airports, with Transportation Security Administration staff continuing duties without salaries. Authorities have reported extended security wait times, prompting travellers to arrive much earlier than usual.

At the centre of the dispute are demands by Democrats for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has faced criticism over its enforcement practices and involvement in controversial incidents this year.

House Republicans, however, have rejected the Senate’s approach. Lawmaker Chip Roy publicly criticised the proposal, indicating that the House would instead pursue a temporary funding extension for the entire Department of Homeland Security while negotiations continue.

Such a stopgap measure is expected to face opposition from Democrats, making a quick resolution unlikely.

Although Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, Senate rules require bipartisan support to pass funding legislation.

Complicating matters further, the Senate has adjourned for two weeks, potentially extending the disruption for both travellers and affected workers.

The prolonged impasse has already strained TSA operations, with hundreds of personnel reportedly leaving their roles and increased absenteeism worsening delays at major airports.

In response to staffing shortages, federal authorities have deployed personnel from immigration enforcement agencies to assist with airport security duties, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups over concerns about training and heightened tensions.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has indicated willingness to support payment for affected workers but has tied broader funding approval to additional legislative demands, including changes to voter registration processes.

With no immediate agreement in sight, the funding deadlock is expected to continue impacting airport operations and federal workers across the United States.