Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was pictured jetting out of DC Friday afternoon as airports braced for more mayhem following Congress’ failure to pass a bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
Sanders is among a host of lawmakers who have skipped town despite the partial government shutdown that has crippled airports and exasperated travelers.
TMZ, which posted the photo of Sanders, also posted images of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) – who is appearing at CPAC in his home state – Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) skipping town despite the funding turmoil.
Sanders, 84, who caucuses with Democrats, is among senators who have refused to fund the agency that includes it until the administration agrees to sweeping changes.
The Senate in the early hours Friday morning passed a bill that would have funded TSA agents and other Homeland programs – but not ICE – after long lines at major airports caused a travel nightmare and political calamity.
But the House Friday night refused to take it up after Freedom Caucus members balked – instead passing 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.
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