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 pay cheques. White House border czar Tom Homan mentioned that TSA agents should start receiving pay early next week after President Trump signed an order to free up cash, though it is unclear whether this executive action might face legal challenges.
Trump emphasized the urgency for Congress to pass a funding bill, reiterating that he was ready to pay TSA agents as long as necessary. Despite some attempts to alleviate the situation, such as the Senate's compromise that partially funded DHS, House Republicans rejected this measure, further complicating the shutdown. The impasse is especially concerning ahead of the World Cup scheduled for June, as lengthy airport security lines become a national worry.
Meanwhile, a growing number of TSA officers are quitting or not showing up to work, exacerbating delays. With travel disruptions culminating in viral videos of extensive queues at airports, the situation calls for immediate solutions, especially as Congress remains in recess and negotiations stagnate.
