politics
March 13, 2026
TSA shutdown strains airport security as officers work without pay
Airport security is beginning to buckle under the strain of the nearly monthlong shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security — but neither Republicans nor Democrats appear under much pressure to end it.
TL;DR
- TSA officers are missing paychecks, causing financial strain and leading to increased unscheduled absences and departures from the agency.
- Longer wait times are being reported at major airports, with some passengers missing flights due to security screening delays.
- Union representatives express concern that officers' financial worries could impact their focus on security duties.
- Some officers are taking on second jobs, leading to exhaustion, while others are struggling to afford basic expenses.
- Political negotiations in Washington remain stalled, with neither Republicans nor Democrats showing significant pressure to end the shutdown.
- Senate Republicans blocked Democratic attempts to pass narrower funding bills to reopen parts of DHS, including the TSA.
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