On Friday afternoon, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was seen flying out of Washington, D.C. in first class, just as airports were gearing up for more chaos due to Congress’s inability to pass legislation to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
Sanders is one of several lawmakers who left the capital city amidst the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has severely affected airport operations and frustrated travelers.
The entertainment news outlet TMZ shared a photo of Sanders enjoying his first-class seat, alongside images of Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) heading to CPAC in Texas, and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) leaving town, even as funding issues remain unresolved.
At 84, Sanders, who aligns with the Democratic caucus, is among the senators withholding support for the agency’s funding unless the administration agrees to significant reforms.
Early Friday morning, the Senate approved a bill intended to fund TSA agents and other Homeland Security programs, excluding ICE, in response to extensive airport delays causing a travel disaster and political turmoil.
However, on Friday night, the House of Representatives declined to consider the Senate’s bill after members of the Freedom Caucus objected, opting instead to propose short-term funding for the entire agency.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called that bill, which got negotiated with Senate GOP leaders and passed the chamber before the start of a two-week scheduled recess, a “joke” and “unconscionable.”
President Trump signed an order for DHS to redirect existing funds to pay TSA agents.
