A partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over a month led to thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and other DHS employees working without pay. President Donald Trump subsequently issued executive orders and directives to facilitate payments to these employees. Concurrently, congressional negotiations resulted in a Senate-approved funding bill that excluded specific immigration enforcement agencies, which was later rejected by the House of Representatives, prolonging the legislative stalemate.
Background of the Shutdown
The partial government shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security commenced in mid-February, lasting over 40 days. The funding lapse stemmed from a dispute over immigration enforcement policy, specifically regarding appropriations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and components of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Democrats in Congress sought reforms to immigration operations, while the White House and Republicans initially declined these demands.
Impact on Department Personnel and Operations
During the funding lapse, approximately 60,000 TSA employees, whose jobs are deemed essential, began working without pay starting February 14, missing their first full paychecks in mid-March. This situation led to increased call-out rates, with national rates exceeding 11% and some airports reporting rates over 40%. The resulting staffing shortages contributed to significant security checkpoint delays and extended wait times at airports, some reportedly lasting over four hours. Additionally, hundreds of TSA staff departed the agency, with over 500 agents resigning.
The partial government shutdown for DHS led to approximately 60,000 TSA employees working without pay, causing significant security checkpoint delays and the resignation of over 500 agents.
Beyond the TSA, it was estimated that over 35,000 DHS employees, including civilian Coast Guard personnel and staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency (CISA), were impacted by unpaid wages. Other DHS staff, such as Secret Service agents and active-duty Coast Guard personnel, had continued to receive paychecks through previously redirected funds. Prior to this, President Trump had deployed ICE agents, who continued to receive pay, to airports to assist with lines and had suggested the possible deployment of National Guard forces.
President Trump's Executive Actions
On a Thursday, President Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA workers. In a Truth Social post, he stated he would instruct DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to "immediately pay our TSA Agents" to address what he termed an "Emergency Situation." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed discussions were underway regarding this action. Administration officials indicated that funding from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" or "funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to the functions of DHS" were intended to cover these payments.
The following day, a Friday, President Trump issued a broader directive ordering DHS to ensure payment for all its employees. The presidential memo instructed Secretary Mullin and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to utilize unspecified funds with a "reasonable and logical nexus" to DHS functions, citing an "emergency situation compromising the Nation's security."
President Trump's directives sought to "immediately pay our TSA Agents" and later ensure payment for "all" DHS employees, citing an "Emergency Situation" and "emergency situation compromising the Nation's security."
Congressional Responses and Legislative Efforts
Congressional negotiations to resolve the shutdown faced persistent stalemates. Earlier proposals, including a plan to fund DHS excluding ICE's enforcement and removal operations, were rejected by Democratic leaders who sought major reforms. Democrats then presented a counteroffer, which Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described as including "commonsense guardrails" for ICE, but this was rejected by Senate Republican leadership, including Sen. John Thune.
Early Friday morning, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a funding package for the majority of DHS operations. This agreement notably provided funding for all DHS operations with the exception of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations and specific components of Customs and Border Protection. Senate Majority Leader Thune indicated a desire for the House to consider the package quickly. Senate Democratic Leader Schumer stated that the deal aligned with Democratic objectives and his party would continue to advocate for reforms to immigration enforcement programs.
However, the House of Representatives subsequently rejected the Senate-passed solution. House Republicans, with Speaker Mike Johnson describing the Senate's approach as a "joke," passed an alternative measure to temporarily fund the entire DHS for 60 days, receiving support from three Democrats. House Republicans later indicated intentions to pass most DHS funding via the Senate's route, with a plan to fund the remaining components (ICE and CBP) using the Senate's reconciliation process.
Payment Commencement and Ongoing Stalemate
Following President Trump's directives, the Department of Homeland Security announced on a Friday that TSA officers were expected to begin receiving paychecks as early as the following Monday. DHS officials confirmed that deposits for partial back pay began on that Monday. On the subsequent Tuesday, Secretary Mullin announced that all DHS employees affected by the shutdown were expected to receive their paychecks by the end of that week. Mullin clarified that these payments were being facilitated through executive action and existing funding flexibility, but cautioned that future payroll for DHS employees, excluding law enforcement officials, would be contingent on Congressional action, characterizing the funding as a "rifle shot" and not a sustainable long-term solution.
Secretary Mullin characterized the executive-action-funded payments as a "rifle shot" and "not a sustainable long-term solution," emphasizing that future payroll remains contingent on Congressional action.
Both chambers of Congress were scheduled to enter a two-week recess, not reconvening until the week of April 13. Without an agreement between the House and Senate on the funding measures, the DHS shutdown was anticipated to persist. Calls for lawmakers to return from recess early were expected, with Senator Mike Lee urging Senate leaders to reconvene Congress. White House border czar Tom Homan expressed hope that the president would compel lawmakers to return, stating that ICE agents assisting TSA at airports would remain in place until regular operations resumed. President Trump commented that the administration would continue to pay TSA "as long as we have to."