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Shutdown breaks US record as TSA agents go unpaid
The partial US government shutdown became the longest in history on Sunday, stretching to 44 days as lawmakers remained deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Airport chaos worsens as TSA staff shortages grow
Security checkpoints at airports across the country have faced severe disruptions due to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, many of whom are working without pay. Over 3,560 TSA agents called out sick on Friday alone, representing 12.35% of the agency's workforce, according to DHS figures. Around 500 officers have resigned since the shutdown began.
Viral videos on social media show travelers waiting in snaking lines that stretch around terminals, raising concerns about the US's preparedness to co-host the upcoming World Cup starting in June.
White House promises back pay, but legal hurdles remain
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Sunday aimed at ensuring TSA agents receive paychecks early next week. White House border adviser Tom Homan told CBS's Face the Nation that the administration was prepared to compensate agents "for as long as we need to," though he acknowledged potential legal challenges. The US Constitution grants Congress, not the president, authority over federal spending.
Homan also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, currently deployed to assist with airport security, would remain in place "until the airports feel like they are 100%" operational. The duration of their deployment depends on how many TSA agents return to work after receiving back pay.
Congress deadlocked as lawmakers take recess
Despite the escalating crisis, Congress left Washington for a two-week break without reaching a funding agreement. On Friday, the Senate passed a compromise bill to partially fund DHS and ease airport delays, but House Republicans rejected it, instead approving a short-term measure to fully fund the department. Senate Democrats, however, oppose any bill that does not include reforms to immigration enforcement, such as restrictions on ICE agents wearing masks and racial profiling.
House Republicans have refused to support legislation without funding for immigration enforcement and voter ID requirements. Trump reiterated his stance on Sunday, calling ICE "vital to the well-being of our country" and blaming Democrats for the impasse.
No resolution in sight as shutdown grinds on
The DHS, which oversees TSA, immigration agencies, and disaster response, has been shuttered since February 14. With no deal in sight, federal workers continue to bear the brunt of the political stalemate. The shutdown's impact extends beyond airports, affecting immigration courts, disaster relief programs, and other critical services.
As the record-breaking shutdown drags on, pressure mounts on lawmakers to break the deadlock before further disruptions ripple across the country.
