DHS Shutdown Threatens Disruptions Across America

Partial government closure could impact air travel, disaster relief, and worker visa processing

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The federal government has entered its third partial shutdown in the last half-year, this time affecting only the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While 97% of the government has been funded, a DHS shutdown could still have significant effects on everyday Americans, including potential air travel delays, disruptions to FEMA disaster relief efforts, and extended processing times for certain worker visas.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown highlights the ongoing partisan gridlock in Washington and the real-world impacts that political dysfunction can have on the lives of average citizens. As the standoff continues, the effects could become more pronounced, potentially causing travel headaches, delaying disaster aid, and creating challenges for businesses relying on temporary foreign workers.

The details

The partial shutdown primarily impacts the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which has 95% of its 61,000 employees deemed essential and forced to work without pay. This could lead to airport delays and cancellations as agents call out to take second jobs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also falls under DHS, and while it has enough funds for immediate disaster response, a prolonged shutdown could delay reimbursements to Americans affected by natural disasters. Additionally, certain immigration programs like e-Verify and temporary worker visas rely on DHS funding, potentially slowing processing times for businesses.

  • The federal government entered its third partial shutdown in the last half-year on February 14, 2026.
  • TSA paychecks due on March 3, 2026 could see agents receiving reduced pay depending on the length of the shutdown.
  • Agents would not be at risk of missing a full paycheck until March 17, 2026.

The players

Ha Nguyen McNeill

Acting Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Gregg Phillips

Associate Administrator of the Office of Response and Recovery at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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What they’re saying

“We heard reports of officers sleeping in their cars at airports to save money on gas, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet.”

— Ha Nguyen McNeill, Acting Administrator, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

“In the 45 days I've been here … we have spent $3 billion in 45 days on 5,000 projects. We're going as fast as we can. We're committed to reducing the backlog. I can't go any faster than we actually are. And if this lapses, that's going to stop.”

— Gregg Phillips, Associate Administrator, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This DHS shutdown underscores the real-world consequences of political gridlock in Washington, as partisan disputes threaten to disrupt air travel, delay disaster relief, and create challenges for businesses relying on temporary foreign workers. As the standoff continues, the impacts on everyday Americans could become more pronounced.