US partial government shutdown becomes longest in history

The partial shutdown of the United States government has now entered its 44th day, making it the longest shutdown in the nation’s history.

The prolonged impasse has caused growing disruption at airports across the country, where a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers has led to chaos at security checkpoints. Officers are currently working without pay as the standoff in Washington continues.

Lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the central point of contention in the ongoing dispute.

Speaking on Sunday, President Donald Trump indicated he is prepared to ensure TSA agents receive pay if Congress can pass a funding bill. However, it remains unclear whether such an action, if taken via executive order, would face legal challenges.