(MENAFN) The ongoing US government shutdown, now in its 30th day, has raised serious concerns over national security, the FBI has warned. The bureau says the shutdown is directly affecting investigations by limiting funds for informants and restricting the gathering of “real-time intelligence,” a media organization reported, citing current and former FBI personnel.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed amid a political deadlock. Democrats have reportedly refused to approve a new spending bill unless Republicans meet all their demands, including extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.

“There is no doubt that those choosing to play politics with government funding are putting national security at risk,” an FBI spokesperson told Reuters. The bureau fully supports President Donald Trump’s calls to reopen the federal government.

Former FBI agent Dan Brunner said the impasse is likely affecting “a lot of investigations, national security, and criminal investigations.” He also highlighted internal tensions within the bureau, noting that only special agents are currently being paid while other staff remain furloughed.

The shutdown has also disrupted civil aviation and nuclear arms production. A news agency reported that over 9,000 flights were canceled or delayed in the first ten days due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. A senior Democratic aide’s comment that the party “will not concede short of planes falling out of the sky” drew widespread criticism.

The last US government shutdown, in 2018, lasted 35 days, making it the longest in American history.

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