The Department of Homeland Security shutdown hit day 52 this week—extending the record for the longest federal shutdown—as President Donald Trump authorized pay for DHS employees despite the ongoing lapse in appropriations, according to NARFE.
Key facts (per NARFE):
- Day 52: The DHS funding lapse reached 52 days, surpassing the prior record for the longest federal shutdown, NARFE reported.
- Pay authorized during the lapse: President Donald Trump authorized payment for DHS employees even though DHS remains without enacted appropriations, according to NARFE.
- Who is covered: The authorization affects both furloughed employees and “excepted” employees (those required to work during a shutdown) across DHS components, NARFE said.
- Scope: DHS includes major operational components such as CBP, ICE, TSA, FEMA, USCIS, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and the authorization is described by NARFE as applying across the department.
- Status of operations: NARFE characterized the situation as a continuing shutdown at DHS, with pay action occurring while the lapse continues.
Brief context: During a lapse in appropriations, agencies generally must follow the Antideficiency Act framework: most employees are furloughed, while “excepted” staff continue working for activities tied to life and property protection or other legally permitted functions. In prior shutdowns, Congress has typically provided back pay after funding is restored; NARFE reported this action differs in that it authorizes pay during the ongoing DHS lapse. DHS employees should continue to follow component-level guidance on reporting requirements, timekeeping, and any changes to duty status as the funding situation evolves.
What it means for you:
- If you’re excepted and working: NARFE’s report indicates you may be paid during the shutdown, rather than waiting for a back-pay bill after appropriations are enacted.
- If you’re furloughed: NARFE reported the authorization also covers furloughed personnel, which could reduce missed-pay exposure compared with prior shutdowns.
- Next steps: Watch for official component notices on when payments post, how leave and premium pay are handled, and whether any employees remain unfunded due to specific account structures. For general shutdown pay rules and terms like “excepted,” see FedBrief’s explainer: https://fedbrief.org/
Source: NARFE News (Apr. 7, 2026), “DHS Shutdown Continues but President Trump Authorizes Payment of DHS Employees,” https://www.narfe.org/blog/2026/04/07/dhs-shutdown-continues-but-president-trump-authorizes-payment-of-dhs-employees/