politics
March 20, 2026
Shutdown shows we should privatize airport security
Thousands of travelers across the country missed flights this past week as more and more Transportation Security Administration employees failed to show up to work because they haven’t been paid for almost three weeks. Ideally, Democrats would come to their senses, drop their attacks on federal immigration law enforcement, and fund the Department of Homeland Security entirely. But even after this most recent government shutdown is resolved, more airports should consider abandoning TSA screening and hiring private security instead. Congress should help them do it.
TL;DR
- Government shutdowns have led to TSA employee absences, causing flight disruptions.
- Private security firms could offer a more reliable and cost-effective alternative to the TSA.
- Data suggests private screeners perform as well as or better than TSA employees.
- Over 20 airports already utilize private security without compromising safety.
- Democrats' opposition to private security is linked to campaign contributions from government unions.
- The Abolish the TSA Act proposes to regulate private airport security contractors and eliminate the TSA's dual role as provider and regulator.
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