Long TSA lines hit US airports as Congress deadlocks over DHS funding
Mar 16th 2026
A partial DHS funding lapse has left TSA officers unpaid and stretched airport security, producing hours-long wait times while lawmakers negotiate a deal tied to immigration policy.
- Congress remains deadlocked over Department of Homeland Security funding after Democrats withheld support to press for immigration enforcement reforms following two fatal Minneapolis shootings.
- Senate Democrats sent a counteroffer Monday that Republican lawmakers have criticized, leaving the budget standoff in its second month.
- TSA officers are classified as essential and have been working without pay since the partial DHS shutdown began, with many missing their first full paycheck.
- More than 300 TSA agents have quit and unscheduled absences have risen, contributing to long security lines at major airports.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Houston Bush Intercontinental reported passenger wait times exceeding 90 minutes, with similar delays in Austin and New Orleans.
- Airline CEOs from American, Delta, Southwest and JetBlue urged Congress to restore DHS funding to avoid escalating travel disruption.
- Union leaders warned of growing financial strain on officers whose average salary is about $35,000 while President Trump urged TSA agents to continue showing up for work.
Articles
- Texas lawmakers spar over DHS funding as long lines loom at US airports www.theguardian.com
- US says it may be forced to shut down some airports over funding standoff www.reuters.com
- Security lines persist at US airports as Congress negotiates DHS funding www.theguardian.com