DHS funding lapse marks longest partial government shutdown in US history

WASHINGTON, DC: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown entered its 44th day on Sunday, March 29, marking the longest shutdown in the US history. It has surpassed the previous record, set when the entire federal government failed to secure funding from October to mid-November.

This time, only DHS is affected, while the rest of the federal departments are operating normally. This event marks the longest partial government shutdown in US history.

The current shutdown has caused chaos at airports, resulting in miles-long lines due to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at checkpoints, as they have not received their salaries.

TSA agents to start receiving pay next week: border czar

White House border czar Tom Homan said on Sunday, March 29, that TSA officials will start receiving their pay early next week, as President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, March 27, to clear funds and release paychecks.

However, Trump’s executive order may face legal challenges because the US Constitution entrusts Congress with authorizing federal government spending.

Homan said even after the shutdown ends and funding for TSA agents is restored, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents currently deployed to airports across the country to help with travel disruptions would remain there "until the airports feel like they are 100 per cent," BBC reports. 

"Look, we're going to continue a nice presence there," he told CBS's Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.

Major drama unfolds amid negotiations to reopen DHS

Earlier on Friday, March 27, negotiations to reopen the DHS were disrupted after House Republicans voted to pass a short-term funding bill, which is unlikely to pass in the Senate and become law, as it has no viability.

The short-term bill was passed hours after the Senate approved a bipartisan bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. GOP leaders rejected this bill, with Speaker Mike Johnson calling it “a joke.”

TSA workers calling out of work after not being paid

TSA workers deployed at airports have either been leaving their jobs or calling out of work, as they have not received paychecks despite reporting to work after the DHS shutdown began on Saturday, February 14.

The shutdown has caused travel disruptions due to a shortage of TSA staff.