U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin assured that employees affected by the recent partial shutdown of the federal government will receive their back wages before the end of the week, after more than six weeks without income. full.

During an interview with CBS News, Mullin indicated that most payments will be deposited into workers' bank accounts no later than Friday, although in some cases they may not appear until Monday, depending on the financial institutions.

The official made these statements while in Chimney Rock, on his first official visit since taking office. There he acknowledged the efforts of thousands of employees who have continued to perform their duties without certainty of receiving their pay.

Payments depend on decisions by Congress

Mullin explained that the release of resources to cover back wages was made possible by an executive order and the use of existing funds, although he warned that this measure does not represent a permanent solution. He emphasized that future payroll payments will depend entirely on Congress approving the corresponding funding. “From now on, we will have to wait for Congress’s decision,” he noted, referring to the high cost of maintaining the operation of the Department of Homeland Security, considered the third largest agency in the federal government. The secretary also criticized Democratic lawmakers for the budget impasse, asserting that the lack of agreements has jeopardized the functioning of multiple agencies responsible for national security. The partial government shutdown, which began on February 14, has affected approximately 92% of the roughly 272,000 DHS employees, many of whom have continued working despite the financial uncertainty.While some have already begun receiving payments, such as Transportation Security Administration workers, others remain on unpaid leave. According to authorities, part of the salaries have been covered by funds previously allocated to border security and immigration initiatives implemented during the Trump administration. Despite the progress in disbursing payments, the agency's financial future remains uncertain until the legislative deadlock in Congress is resolved.