TSA warns DHS shutdown could close airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration warned it may face airport closures if the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, as long security lines and staffing strain spread across major hubs, according to AP News, PBS NewsHour, Local 10, Click2Houston, WRAL and The Signal.

• TSA acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told lawmakers the agency is preparing for operational cutbacks, including airport closures, if the DHS funding standoff continues.
• Officials said travelers have faced the longest security waits recorded under TSA as staffing shortages intensify during the partial shutdown.
• The Department of Homeland Security has gone without routine funding since mid-February, and lawmakers remained deadlocked on how to reopen the agency.
• TSA leaders said absenteeism at some major airports has risen sharply, and large numbers of screening officers have resigned during the shutdown.
• Officials described severe financial strain for airport screening staff required to work without pay, with missed paychecks and mounting bills affecting retention and morale.

Additional Details Reported

McNeill testified at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing as DHS agencies described how unpaid staff and checkpoint consolidations are affecting travel and security operations.

Click2Houston cited Department of Homeland Security figures showing more than 3,160 TSA employees did not report to work on Tuesday and 481 TSA employees have resigned during the shutdown, with callout rates above 40 percent at several major airports. The update also described airline travel waivers and airport-level changes that rerouted some passengers between terminals to reach operating checkpoints, and The Signal reported Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl said TSA has exhausted its deployable staffing resources.

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