The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has resulted in Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and other critical Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff working without pay for the third time in nearly six months, according to a Mar. 17 statement from the department.
The ongoing shutdown is causing financial strain for TSA employees and affecting travelers across the country, with some airports experiencing security lines lasting more than three hours. The situation has led to increased callouts and attrition among TSA staff, raising concerns about national security and travel disruptions.
Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, said, “The Democrats’ reckless DHS shutdown is causing TSA officers to go without pay for the third time in nearly six months. These political stunts are causing unneeded financial hardship for our TSA officers and their families. Now, 366 TSA officers have left the force. Because of this DHS shutdown, Americans are facing HOURS long waits at airports across the country. Democrats must reopen DHS now.”
Recent data shows that on March 15 and March 16, callouts spiked over 50% in Houston and over 30% in New Orleans and Atlanta, resulting in fewer officers available to screen an increasing number of travelers. The highest single-day airport callout rate reached 55% at Houston Hobby International Airport on March 14. Attrition has also surged with 366 TSOs leaving their positions; each new officer requires four to six months of training and certification before they can be fully operational.
Officials say these staffing shortages create critical gaps that impact both passenger wait times and overall airport security operations. The department calls for immediate restoration of funding so that TSA agents can be paid and normal operations can resume.
Broader implications include continued travel delays during peak periods such as spring break if the shutdown persists. Observers expect further disruptions unless a resolution is reached soon.
