DHS shutdown enters fourth week as TSA officers miss first full paycheck

The partial government shutdown affecting only the Department of Homeland Security entered its fourth week on March 12, 2026, with more than 50,000 TSA officers working without pay since the lapse began February 14. TSA reported historically high airport wait times as callout rates reached 55% at some airports and more than 450 officers had resigned since the shutdown began. Senate negotiations stalled as Democrats demanded ICE reform conditions that House Republicans refused to accept.