The clock has not just ticked, it has run out. As of April 1, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been partially shut down for 46 days. What began as a legislative dispute in February has developed into a grueling marathon of political stalemate. The ones paying the price — the American people.

While the rest of the government remains operational, the selective slowing down of DHS is not a specific strike. Rather it is a trauma to our national infrastructure. We currently have 50,000 TSA agents and thousands of air traffic controllers reporting for work without a paycheck. Expecting these essential workers to maintain the highest standards of national safety while they struggle to pay rent or buy groceries is not just unrealistic, it’s morally wrong.

We are currently seeing travel chaos caused by suspended global entry and TSA staffing stretching thin. Furthermore, recovery projects are stalling leaving vulnerable communities waiting for help that won’t come until Congress decides on a funding situation.

This current situation, fueled by disagreements over ICE and reforms following the tragic deaths in Minnesota this past January, has reached a dead end. The Senate’s repeated failure to reach the 60 vote threshold and the House’s refusal to compromise on a stopgap measure represents a total breakdown of the legislative process.

Governing by crisis is not a strategy, it is a showcase of incompetence. Using the salaries of frontline security personnel as a bargaining chip for policy reforms is a tactic that belongs in history, not our current modern democracy.

The solution is simple, although the policies are complex. Passing a clean funding bill and policy reforms regarding immigration and law enforcement are necessary. However, that debate should happen while the government is functioning, not while it is being held hostage. We cannot afford to let another week go by without the vital workers being paid.

All in all, compromises are necessary to resolve our problem. Rather than polarizing our nation and splitting our people we need to reach a compromise and find a solution. The consequences of the inability to pass a funding bill is leading to problems for people who perform crucial jobs, and creating frustrating wait times for those traveling. Rather than escalate, it is crucial that we find a solution to this problem.

This article received edits from Srinitha Arikati, Grace Suzuki, Yousuf Ali and Emily Logan.