The partial US government shutdown has become the longest in American history as lawmakers in Washington continue to fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). On Sunday, the shutdown reached 44 days, surpassing the previous longest funding lapse, which ended in November 2025. The current impasse has led to chaos at airports due to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at security checkpoints as they go without paychecks. White House border czar Tom Homan stated that TSA agents should start receiving pay soon after President Donald Trump signed an order attempting to free up cash. However, it remains unclear whether Trump's executive order will face legal challenges, as the US constitution assigns Congress the authority to authorize federal spending.
Trump mentioned that he was prepared to 'pay them [TSA agents] for as long as we need to' but insisted that Congress must pass a funding bill. According to Homan, TSA agents currently deployed to assist at airports would remain until operations return to normal. Nevertheless, the showdown between Republicans and Democrats continues, stalling any budget agreement to fund DHS and other critical agencies.
The Senate had previously passed a compromise deal to partially fund the DHS to alleviate travel delays, but this was rejected by House Republicans. Trump urged Congress to pass a funding bill and criticized Democrats for blocking necessary immigration funding. The deadlock has critically impacted TSA's workforce, leading to increased absenteeism and resignations as agents go unpaid, compounding delays and travel disruptions at major airports.
Trump mentioned that he was prepared to 'pay them [TSA agents] for as long as we need to' but insisted that Congress must pass a funding bill. According to Homan, TSA agents currently deployed to assist at airports would remain until operations return to normal. Nevertheless, the showdown between Republicans and Democrats continues, stalling any budget agreement to fund DHS and other critical agencies.
The Senate had previously passed a compromise deal to partially fund the DHS to alleviate travel delays, but this was rejected by House Republicans. Trump urged Congress to pass a funding bill and criticized Democrats for blocking necessary immigration funding. The deadlock has critically impacted TSA's workforce, leading to increased absenteeism and resignations as agents go unpaid, compounding delays and travel disruptions at major airports.
