Partial DHS shutdown leaves TSA unpaid and airports strained
Mar 20th 2026
A funding standoff in Congress over immigration reforms has left the Department of Homeland Security operating without new funds since February 14, forcing many TSA employees to work without pay and causing long lines, resignations and growing concern from airlines and unions.
- DHS has been unfunded since February 14 after a partisan dispute over immigration policy blocked a separate funding vote.
- TSA workers have missed full paychecks, with some quitting or taking unscheduled leave, creating staffing shortfalls at airports.
- Nearly 50,000 TSA officers screen passengers and absences have risen to about 20 percent nationally and topped 50 percent at some airports.
- Airports have reported security wait times exceeding 100 minutes and DHS said 366 TSA officers left their jobs during the shutdown.
- Airline CEOs warned Congress that continued shortages threaten travel during spring break and ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup.
- Labor groups are calling for the Shutdown Fairness Act to guarantee pay for federal workers during funding lapses.
Articles
- US official warns small airports could soon shut down over TSA absences www.reuters.com
- Why the US Homeland Security shutdown is raising fears of airport delays www.aljazeera.com
- Calls grow to fund TSA as travelers' frustration grows www.cbsnews.com
- Over a third of TSA officers call out at 3 major U.S. airports in single day www.cbsnews.com
- Government Shutdown Could End, but Travel Delays Continue: What Travelers Can Do www.cnet.com
- Fuel spikes, flight delays and storms threaten US spring break travel www.theguardian.com
- Over 10% of TSA officers call out nationwide in single day as partial shutdown drags on www.cbsnews.com
- As airport delays persist, travelers and TSA workers call for end to shutdown www.cbsnews.com
- World Central Kitchen steps in to feed TSA officers as government fails to fund DHS www.cbsnews.com
- Travelers in US continue to face delays at airport security amid DHS shutdown www.theguardian.com
- Getting to the Airport 3 Hours Early Is No Guarantee You’ll Make Your Flight, as TSA Crisis Worsens gizmodo.com
- Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times. www.cbsnews.com