A partial shutdown of the United States government has become the longest in the country’s history as lawmakers remain locked in a dispute over funding for key security agencies.
Get today's headlines by email 
The funding lapse reached 44 days on Sunday, surpassing the previous record set during a shutdown that ended in November 2025.
The current standoff centres on financing for the United States Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement and airport screening operations.
Shutdown passes record length
The shutdown has disrupted several federal services and left thousands of government employees working without pay while Congress continues negotiations.
Airports across the country have been particularly affected because staff from the Transportation Security Administration remain on duty despite missing pay cheques.
Airport disruptions grow
A growing number of TSA officers have called in sick or resigned during the shutdown, causing staffing shortages at security checkpoints.
The United States Department of Homeland Security says around 500 officers have quit their jobs during the funding gap.
On Friday alone, more than 3,500 officers were absent from work, representing roughly 12% of the TSA workforce.
The shortages have led to long security lines and delays at several major airports. Videos shared online show travellers waiting in queues stretching outside terminals.
Officials have also raised concerns about the potential impact on major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is preparing to help host beginning in June.
Trump signs order to pay officers
Donald Trump said he had signed an executive order intended to allow TSA officers to begin receiving pay early next week.
The move aims to ease the pressure on airport security staff during the shutdown.
However, legal questions remain about the order because the US Constitution assigns authority over government spending to Congress.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was willing to ensure officers were paid “for as long as we need to” but urged lawmakers to approve a funding bill.
Tom Homan said immigration officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would continue assisting at airports during the disruption.
“We’ll be there as long as they need us,” he said, adding that the duration would depend on how quickly TSA staff returned to work once payments resumed.
Political standoff continues
Negotiations remain stalled between Republicans and Democrats over the future funding of the Department of Homeland Security.
The United States Senate approved a compromise bill last week that would partially restore funding to the department and reduce airport disruptions.
But the United States House of Representatives rejected the proposal and instead backed a short-term funding measure covering the department’s entire budget.
Democrats in the Senate oppose that approach unless policy changes are included. Among the proposed reforms are restrictions on immigration enforcement practices, including limits on agents wearing masks and measures addressing racial profiling.
Republicans argue they will not support legislation unless it maintains funding for immigration enforcement and introduces voter identification requirements.
With Congress currently on a two-week recess and no agreement in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue, leaving federal workers and travellers facing ongoing uncertainty.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026