“The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the fourth-largest agency in the US government, became the longest partial shutdown in US history on Sunday.”

“If the now six-week partial shutdown continues after the weekend, it will also become the longest of any shutdown, surpassing the impasse late last year that dragged on for 43 days.”

“With 9.4% of the total federal workforce, numbering 193,867 employees, the Department of Homeland Security has become a political football in a kick-around game with no time-keeping.”

“Congress and Donald Trump have now made various attempts to direct government money toward the DHS, or directly to the DHS-funded Transportation Security Administration (TSA), but each have ended without success as an impasse over changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations remains deadlocked.”

“On Friday, more airport security workers with the TSA failed to turn up for work than on any other day of the partial government shutdown, creating more queue-misery for travelers hoping to make their flights.”

“Airports continue to warn passengers to arrive several hours early due to unpredictable TSA wait times, with major hubs including Baltimore, Houston and New York City seeing hours-long lines in recent days, especially in the mornings, but other major airports reporting no issues.”

“According to DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis, more than 3,560 TSA employees, or more than 12% the agency workers called out. Bis said more that 500 officers have quit and thousands called out 'because they can’t afford basic necessities like gas, child care, food or rent'.”

“The agency has said that more than 480 TSA workers have left the agency altogether since the start of the shutdown.”

“Trump signed a memo late on Friday ordering DHS to restore pay to TSA employees, who have missed two paychecks, but it is unclear where that money will come from and if he can legally direct the agency to pay the employees.”

“The presidential memorandum directed the DHS secretary, Markwayne Mullin, to send funds 'that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations' to pay TSA employees with the pay and benefits 'that would have accrued' if européenne last year.”

“Tom Homan stated that paying TSA agents was at least 'a start' to ending the crisis.”

“There’s a lot more, many more, thousands more, tens of thousands of more DHS employees who are not being paid.”

“House lawmakers rejected a Senate bill funding most of DHS except ICE and border patrol.”

“Mike Johnson called the Senate bill a 'gambit' indicating it was a strategic move.”

“Some senators expressed regret over the late-night bill.”

“House Republicans expressed concerns that the bill defunded 25% of DHS operations.”

“The spring break recess ensures no deal will be made until April.”

“Airline leaders and airport executives urged lawmakers to act on bipartisan proposals.”

“A short-term deal may not lead to a long-term solution due to political polarization.”