The ongoing partial shutdown of the US government has now stretched into the longest in the nation’s history, with lawmakers in Washington locked in a standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

As of Sunday, the shutdown reached 44 days, exceeding the previous record for a funding lapse, which concluded in November 2025.

The prolonged stalemate has begun to significantly affect airport operations nationwide. A growing number of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have been absent from checkpoints, citing missed paychecks, resulting in widespread delays and operational strain.

Speaking Sunday, White House border czar Tom Homan said TSA personnel could begin receiving pay early next week following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump intended to release funds.

However, questions remain about the legality of the move, as the US Constitution assigns Congress the authority to approve federal spending.

While traveling aboard Air Force One Sunday evening, Trump told reporters he was prepared to "pay them [TSA agents] for as long as we need to" and again pressed Congress to approve a funding measure.

Homan also indicated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents—currently assisting at airports to manage disruptions—would continue their deployment even after funding resumes.

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

He added that the duration of their presence would depend on how quickly TSA officers return to duty once they are paid.

"We need to secure those airports. ICE is there to help our brothers and sisters in TSA," Homan told CBS. "We'll be there as long as they need us."

Despite mounting pressure, negotiations between Republicans and Democrats over DHS funding remain at an impasse. Congress has since adjourned for a two-week recess without reaching an agreement.

Efforts to reopen DHS stalled on Friday when lawmakers failed to secure a deal. The department has remained unfunded since 14 February.

Earlier in the week, the US Senate approved a compromise bill designed to partially fund DHS and ease airport congestion. That proposal was rejected by Republicans in the House of Representatives, who instead backed a short-term funding measure covering the department in full.

The Senate is not expected to take up the House proposal, as Democrats continue to oppose funding tied to Trump’s immigration policies without additional reforms. These include measures such as prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks and addressing concerns over racial profiling.

House Republicans, meanwhile, insist any legislation must include funding for immigration enforcement as well as voter ID provisions.

On Sunday, Trump renewed his call for congressional action. When asked whether he would sign a bill excluding immigration funding, he responded that "ICE is vital to the well-being of our country" and criticized Democrats, blaming them for the shutdown.

The ongoing dispute has left TSA staff in a difficult position. Hundreds have resigned, while others have called in sick or failed to report to work amid the lack of pay. DHS estimates that roughly 500 officers have left their posts.

The staffing shortages have led to severe delays at airport security checkpoints. Viral social media footage shows long lines of passengers extending outside terminals, raising concerns about the country’s readiness to co-host the World Cup beginning in June.

On Friday alone, more than 3,560 TSA employees were absent, representing 12.35% of the agency’s workforce, according to DHS.