The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has surpassed 44 days, setting a new record for the longest DHS funding lapse, as President Donald Trump ordered the department to redirect available funds to keep Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working during the shutdown on the payroll, according to NARFE.
- Record length: The DHS shutdown exceeded 44 days, breaking the previous record for a DHS shutdown, NARFE reported March 31, 2026.
- Presidential directive: President Donald Trump directed DHS to redirect available funding to ensure TSA employees who are working during the shutdown receive pay, according to NARFE.
- Who’s affected: The action targets TSA screeners and other TSA employees required to work during the lapse in appropriations, NARFE said.
- Why this matters now: TSA is a frontline operational workforce; during shutdowns, many TSA personnel are typically deemed excepted and required to report even when pay is delayed, making payroll continuity a high-impact issue for employees and travelers.
- Funding mechanics: NARFE characterized the order as a move to use available DHS funding to cover payroll for TSA during the shutdown period.
Context:
DHS shutdowns occur when Congress does not enact appropriations or another funding measure for the department. During a lapse, agencies determine which employees must continue working to protect life and property or carry out other legally authorized functions. Those employees often continue working while pay may be delayed until funding is restored, depending on available authorities and funding sources.
NARFE’s report says the current DHS shutdown has now passed the 44-day mark, setting a new length record for the department. It also says Trump’s directive is intended to prevent TSA employees—who are continuing to work—from missing paychecks during the shutdown by shifting funds DHS still has access to.
For federal employees trying to track shutdown-related pay rules and timelines, resources such as FedBrief’s shutdown policy explainers may be useful: https://fedbrief.org/ (cross-link provided for general reference).
What it means for you:
- If you’re TSA and working: NARFE reports DHS is redirecting funds so working TSA employees can continue to receive pay during the shutdown. Employees should watch for internal DHS/TSA guidance on timing and pay processing.
- If you’re DHS but not TSA: NARFE’s report focuses on TSA pay; other DHS components may face different rules depending on funding availability and whether employees are excepted.
- If you’re planning travel: TSA staffing and operations are central to airport screening; payroll continuity can reduce pressure on staffing levels during prolonged shutdown conditions.
Source: NARFE News (March 31, 2026), “DHS shutdown hits record length, but TSA agents receive pay,” https://www.narfe.org/blog/2026/03/31/dhs-shutdown-hits-record-length-but-tsa-agents-receive-pay/