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Partial US shutdown begins amid funding stalemate
The US federal government entered a partial shutdown at midnight on Saturday (05:00 GMT) after lawmakers failed to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Travel groups and airlines have warned of potential disruptions as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers risk unpaid leave, raising concerns over flight delays and extended airport wait times.
Why the shutdown happened
Congress missed the deadline to pass a funding bill for DHS after Senate Democrats blocked two proposals on Thursday. The measures did not include the immigration reforms they had demanded, such as restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including a ban on face masks and clearer officer identification.
Democrats pushed for these changes following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two Minneapolis residents killed by federal agents during protests against immigration raids in January. The most recent funding extension, passed in late January, only covered DHS operations for two weeks while negotiations continued.
Impact on travel and federal workers
Airlines for America and other travel groups issued a joint statement on Friday warning that unscheduled absences among TSA workers could lead to longer security lines and flight delays. "Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay," the statement said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees air traffic controllers, has already been funded for the year, reducing the risk of widespread air travel chaos. However, TSA agents, who fall under DHS, may still face unpaid leave if the shutdown persists, potentially leading to staff shortages.
Coast Guard and other DHS agencies affected
The US Coast Guard, also under DHS, could see 56,000 workers go without pay if the shutdown continues. Vice Admiral Thomas Allan told lawmakers that non-critical and non-lifesaving missions would be suspended after a few days without funding.
DHS has access to $165 billion (£120 billion) from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which also allocated $75 billion to ICE, to mitigate some funding shortfalls. However, the shutdown's impact on essential services remains a concern.
Political stalemate and next steps
President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday, "We'll see what happens," when asked about a potential deal with Democrats. "We always have to protect our law enforcement," he added, signaling no immediate resolution.
Congress is set to begin a recess until 23 February, meaning the shutdown could extend until Trump's State of the Union address the following day. Lawmakers could return earlier if a deal appears imminent.
Last year's 43-day government shutdown, the longest in US history, caused significant travel disruptions and left many federal workers without pay. Democrats at the time were pushing for increased healthcare funding to address rising costs.
