Is the Government Shutdown Happening Right Now? Yes — Here's What You Need to Know
Yes, the U.S. government is currently in a partial shutdown. As of March 23, 2026, the shutdown has lasted 37 days, making it the second-longest government shutdown in American history. The shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate is expected to hold another vote during the week of March 23 to try to reopen the government — but it has already failed four times to reach the votes needed.
How Did the Shutdown Start?
The partial shutdown began on February 14, 2026, when the Senate could not agree on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Under Senate rules, 60 votes are needed to advance spending legislation — a threshold that requires bipartisan support. So far, that threshold has not been met.
The lone Democrat to break ranks has been Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who has voted across party lines. The remaining Democratic senators have blocked the Republican-backed funding package, leading to a prolonged standoff that has now stretched well over a month.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was fired amid the crisis, and a Senate committee has since voted to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her replacement, though that confirmation process is still ongoing.
Which Parts of the Government Are Affected?
This is a partial shutdown, meaning only agencies and departments without approved funding are affected — most notably the Department of Homeland Security. This includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for airport security across the country.
Other federal agencies that received their funding in earlier spending bills remain open and operational. However, the DHS shutdown is having an outsized and very visible effect on everyday Americans — especially travelers.
The Airport Crisis: TSA Chaos During Spring Break
The most immediate and visible consequence of the shutdown is a staffing crisis at U.S. airports. More than a third of TSA officers have been calling out of work, unwilling or unable to continue working without pay. The result has been hours-long security lines and operational chaos at major airports, including:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Houston airports
- New Orleans airports
The timing couldn't be worse. Spring break travel is currently at its peak, and March Madness is sending tens of thousands of college basketball fans flying to NCAA tournament games across the country. Heightened national security concerns related to tensions with Iran are adding further strain to an already overwhelmed system.
A top TSA official has issued a stark warning: partial airport shutdowns could happen if the staffing situation does not improve. The CEOs of American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines have all publicly urged Congress to restore DHS funding so TSA employees can be paid.
The airline industry's top executives are calling this a national transportation emergency — and passengers stuck in lines stretching hours long at major hubs are feeling that reality firsthand.
For the latest updates on airport wait times and the shutdown's impact, see CNN's live coverage of TSA wait times and the shutdown.
ICE Agents Deployed to Airports Starting March 23
In response to the TSA staffing crisis, President Trump announced on March 22 that ICE agents will be deployed to U.S. airports beginning Monday, March 23. Border czar Tom Homan has been placed in charge of the deployment. ICE agents are expected to be present at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport among other locations.
The move is controversial. ICE agents are trained for immigration enforcement — not passenger security screening — and critics have raised questions about whether deploying them to airports will effectively address the TSA staffing shortfall or create new complications for travelers.
What's Happening in Congress?
The Senate returned on Monday, March 23, and a vote to reopen the government is expected sometime during the week. However, the political gridlock that has defined this shutdown shows no clear signs of breaking.
President Trump has taken an aggressive tone, calling Democrats "lunatics" on Truth Social and warning they will "pay a big price" in the upcoming midterm elections. Senate Majority Leader Thune and Minority Leader Schumer engaged in heated floor exchanges during the week of March 16–22, with no resolution reached.
To understand what a successful vote would require and when it might happen, USA Today has a full breakdown of the Senate vote timeline and what to know.
Shutdown Timeline at a Glance
- February 14, 2026: Partial government shutdown begins after Senate fails to pass DHS funding bill.
- March 16–22, 2026: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem fired; Senate committee advances Markwayne Mullin nomination; Senate leaders clash on the floor with no deal reached.
- March 22, 2026: Shutdown reaches 37 days — second-longest in U.S. history. TSA chaos reported at Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans. Trump announces ICE airport deployment.
- March 23, 2026: Senate returns; ICE agents begin arriving at airports; another shutdown vote expected this week.
What Should Travelers Do Right Now?
If you are flying during this period, here are practical steps to protect your travel plans:
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early for domestic flights — more if you are departing from Atlanta, Houston, or New Orleans.
- Check your airline's app for real-time wait time updates before leaving for the airport.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you haven't already — dedicated lanes are significantly less affected by the TSA staffing shortage.
- Consider rebooking non-urgent travel until after the Senate votes and the situation stabilizes.
- Watch for flight cancellations — airlines may begin proactively canceling flights if airport security lines make on-time departures impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the government been shut down?
As of March 23, 2026, the partial government shutdown has lasted 37 days, beginning on February 14, 2026. It is now the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history, behind only the 35-day shutdown of 2018–2019.
Will the government reopen this week?
The Senate is expected to hold a vote during the week of March 23 to reopen the government. However, four previous attempts have failed to reach the 60-vote threshold required, and there is no guarantee this vote will succeed either. Watch for breaking news updates throughout the week.
Is it safe to fly right now during the shutdown?
Airports remain open and flights are operating, but travelers should expect significant delays at security checkpoints. With over a third of TSA officers calling out, lines at major airports can stretch several hours. ICE agents are now being deployed to assist, though their effectiveness at speeding up security screening remains uncertain. Allow extra time and check your airport's current conditions before heading out.
What is the shutdown actually about?
The shutdown is specifically about funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democrats have blocked the Republican-backed DHS funding bill, unable to reach the 60 votes needed for passage. The political dispute is tied to broader disagreements over immigration enforcement, border security policy, and DHS leadership — all of which became flashpoints in the weeks leading up to and following the February 14 funding deadline.
