Texas lawmakers spar over DHS funding as long lines loom at US airports

AI Summary

Texas lawmakers from both parties clashed outside Austin's international airport over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, as a partial government shutdown of the agency extends into its second month. The dispute centers on TSA agent pay, with real-world consequences looming for air travelers facing long security lines.

John Cornyn and Greg Casar debate TSA agent pay outside Austin airport as partial shutdown enters second month Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Republican senator John Cornyn and Democratic congressman Greg Casar of Texas squabbled outside Austin’s international airport on Monday over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as the shutdown of the agency enters its second month. Cornyn, the longtime Texas senator who is locked in a tough primary battle against attorney general Ken Paxton, went to Austin-Bergstrom international airport to bring Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees lunch. As he pulled up outside the terminal, he encountered Casar, whose district includes Austin and whom a spokesperson said was there to catch a flight back to Washington DC. Continue reading...