The Department of Homeland Security will run out of money to pay its employees in May, according to the agency's secretary, as a partial shutdown of the department enters its second month.

The funding shortage threatens to create additional disruptions at airports and other critical infrastructure overseen by DHS, which includes the Transportation Security Administration and other security agencies.

Congress remains divided over reaching an agreement to end the department's partial shutdown, with lawmakers unable to reach consensus on funding legislation. The impasse has left portions of DHS operating with limited resources while other federal agencies continue normal operations.

The potential for unpaid employees could compound existing operational challenges at airports and border crossings, where DHS personnel provide essential security services. The department oversees multiple agencies responsible for national security functions, including immigration enforcement and cybersecurity operations.

The May deadline adds urgency to ongoing congressional negotiations, as lawmakers face pressure to resolve the funding dispute before the department's payroll capacity is exhausted.