Are we still in a shutdown? Here's how DHS disruptions impact Americans

Here's why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is shut down and what the partial closure means for Americans.

Americans are in the crosshairs of a political fight.

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown stretched into its 26th day on Wednesday, March 11, as travelers face long lines and missed flights at airports around the country. The shutdown stems from concerns over the national security agency's annual budget: Democrats and Republicans need to reach an agreement on a spending package in order to end the funding impasse and fully pay all DHS workers.

Here's why the U.S. is in a DHS shutdown and what the partial closure means for Americans.

The DHS funding lapse began on Feb. 13 after Congress failed to pass an annual budget for the 9/11-era Cabinet agency. Lawmakers weren't able to agree on how to allocate spending for airport security, disaster relief, coastline safety and more national security measures. The biggest hurdle was Democrats' demands for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the killings of two U.S. citizens earlier this year by federal agents.

The initial weeks of the shutdown showed little impact to Americans' everyday lives. But gradually, pressure has mounted to find a solution. Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was ousted by President Donald Trump, further putting a spotlight on calls to reform the agency. A White House spokesperson said Trump would not sign any new laws until the shutdown ends, barring the SAVE America Act. (Bills can still become law, though, as long as Trump doesn't veto them.)