US Government Shutdown Hits Historic Duration, Sparking Travel Chaos

Mon Mar 30 2026 20:51:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The partial government shutdown in the United States has become the longest in history, leading to significant disruptions, particularly at airports, as TSA staff go unpaid.

As of Sunday, the US government's partial shutdown reached 44 days, surpassing the previous record. The ongoing impasse between lawmakers has resulted in staffing shortages at transport airports, causing significant delays for travelers. While measures are being taken to address TSA officer pay, tensions over DHS funding continue with no clear resolution in sight, impacting not just current operations but upcoming events like the World Cup.

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 stated on Sunday that TSA agents should start receiving pay early next week after President Trump signed an order attempting to free up cash.

However, it remains uncertain whether Trump's executive order will face legal challenges, given that the US constitution assigns Congress with the authority to authorize federal spending.

Trump, while on Air Force One, indicated his commitment to ensure TSA agents are paid, yet he pressed Congress to expedite a funding bill.

Homan also reported that even following the shutdown's conclusion, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents currently deployed at airports to mitigate travel disruptions will remain until airports are fully operational.

The ongoing feud between Republicans and Democrats regarding DHS funding casts doubt on any imminent resolution. Congress is currently on recess, having left town without a compromise.

Last week, lawmakers were unable to agree on a deal to re-open the DHS, which has been non-operational since February 14.

The Senate had passed a compromise aimed at partially funding DHS and easing airport travel delays, but House Republicans rejected it in favor of a short-term measure that would fund the department entirely.

Senate Democrats have opposed this short-term measure, demanding reforms tied to immigration oversight. The House Republicans maintain that they cannot support legislation that fails to include funding for immigration enforcement.

The ongoing shutdown has left TSA officers in a precarious situation, with many quitting and others calling in sick, leading to increased personnel shortages. Reports indicate that over 500 TSA staff have resigned due to the shutdown.

This staffing crisis has resulted in long airport security lines, causing concerns regarding the US's capacity to manage international events effectively, such as the upcoming World Cup in June.

Over 3,560 TSA officers called out of work, representing 12.35% of the agency's total workforce on one day last week, underscoring the widespread impact of the funding stalemate.