TSA Shortages Lead To Hourslong Security Lines At Airports As Gov Shutdown Continues
TSA staffing shortages tied to the partial government shutdown led to hours-long security lines at airports in Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans on Sunday — just as spring break travel is kicking off.
HOW WE GOT HERE: The partial shutdown began Feb. 14 and only affects the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA.
Democratic lawmakers are demanding changes to President Trump’s immigration policies, though much of the immigration enforcement carried out by DHS is already funded.
DHS posted on X: “There is ZERO reason for spring break travel to be held hostage for political points — Democrats must end this DHS shutdown NOW.”
The partial shutdown means about 50,000 TSA agents are currently working without full pay. It’s the second time in six months they have faced a shutdown, following a record 43-day government shutdown in late 2025.
WHAT’S NEXT
TSA agents received 30% of their paycheck last week and are set to miss their whole paycheck next weekend, unless funding is restored.
The delays also come as DHS is getting a new leader. Trump fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem last week, and said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will replace her starting on March 31.