Overview
- Leaders from major passenger and cargo carriers sent an open letter pressing lawmakers to immediately fund Homeland Security and pass measures to ensure critical aviation workers are paid during future shutdowns.
- The shutdown has reached day 29, leaving about 50,000 TSA officers working without pay as the agency reports more than 300 quits since the lapse began.
- Airports have reported multi-hour security lines and reduced checkpoint capacity, with recent trouble spots including Houston Hobby, New Orleans and Newark, and unions caution Chicago could feel similar pressure soon.
- Union officials say many TSA workers are out of money, prompting more sick calls or departures, while some airports close checkpoints or solicit donations and essentials for unpaid staff.
- Funding lapsed after an immigration enforcement dispute in Congress, President Trump urged TSA officers to keep working, and airlines forecast a record 171 million spring travelers that could deepen operational strain.