Government Shutdown Sets Record as Airport Disruptions Mount

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