TSA Agents Working Without Pay During DHS Shutdown

A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday has left Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay at airports nationwide.

Funding for Homeland Security expired at midnight on Sunday, triggering a lapse that affects the agency responsible for screening passengers and baggage. While most of the federal government remains funded through Sept. 30, TSA falls under DHS and is directly impacted.

According to the department’s contingency plan, about 95 percent of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and are required to continue working during the government shutdown. That means airport security screening operations continue, but officers will not receive paychecks until funding is restored.

TSA officers also worked without pay during last year’s 43 day government shutdown, which led to historic flight cancellations and long delays at major airports.

What Is Different This Time

Unlike the previous shutdown, air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration are not affected because the rest of the federal government is funded through the end of the fiscal year. That reduces the immediate risk of widespread flight cancellations.

However, Democrats in the House and Senate have said DHS will not receive funding until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations, leaving no immediate resolution in sight.

During past shutdowns, travel disruptions tended to build gradually. About a month into last year’s shutdown, TSA temporarily closed two checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. On that same day, the government ordered commercial airlines to reduce domestic flight schedules.

John Rose, chief risk officer for global travel management company Altour, said airport strains could emerge more quickly this time.

“It’s still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks,” Rose said.

What Travelers Should Expect

Industry trade groups and major airlines have warned that the longer DHS appropriations remain lapsed, the longer security lines at commercial airports could become. Even a small number of unscheduled TSA absences could cause longer wait times, particularly at smaller airports with a single security checkpoint.

“It’s hard to predict whether, when or where security screening snags might pop up,” experts said.

Rose advised passengers to build in extra time. “I tell people to do this even in good times,” he said.

Rich Davis, senior security adviser at risk mitigation company International SOS, said airlines may delay departures in some cases to allow passengers additional time to clear TSA screening. Shortages of TSA officers could also slow the screening of checked luggage behind the scenes, increasing the risk of travel delays.

For now, airport security operations remain open, but travelers are being urged to arrive early and monitor airline updates as the Homeland Security shutdown continues.

Flights Aren't Immediately Affected, But That Changes

The longer a shutdown goes, the worse it gets.

FAA and TSA employees who do essential safety and security work keep working during shutdowns. The problem is, prolonged funding lapses cause staffing shortages. Workers struggle financially and eventually can't keep showing up.

This time, FAA funding wouldn't be affected. But TSA funding would, because TSA is part of DHS.

DHS says, "DHS essential missions and functions will continue as they do during every shutdown. However, during a shutdown, many employees will be forced to work without pay, putting strain on the frontline defenders of our nation."

TSA Workers Work Without Pay

TSA keeps operating during shutdowns. Workers just don't get paid for it.

Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill warned lawmakers that if DHS funding lapses again, roughly 61,000 TSA workers at more than 430 commercial airports would have to keep working without paychecks.

During last year's 43-day shutdown, TSA officers slept in their cars, got eviction notices, and lost child care. Some sold blood or plasma to make ends meet.

McNeill told lawmakers, "Some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown. We cannot put them through another such experience. It would be unconscionable."

TSA warned that extended shutdowns cause longer airport security lines. Workers start calling out because they can't afford gas to get to work or child care while they're there. "While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5 million passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports."

Coast Guard Personnel Also Work Without Pay

The Coast Guard falls under DHS too. Vice Adm. Thomas Allan, the acting vice commandant, told lawmakers a funding lapse lasting more than a few days would stop pay for roughly 56,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel.

The agency would have to suspend all but the most critical national security and life-saving missions. Everything else stops.

Allan said, "Shutdowns cripple morale. Our aviation survival technician deploying from a helicopter into treacherous seas should not have to worry if their family can buy groceries this week."

That's the reality. Coast Guard rescue swimmers jumping into the ocean to save lives while wondering if their families can afford groceries, all because Congress can't pass a funding bill.

What Actually Happens to Travelers

The immediate effects might seem subtle at first. Maybe security lines are slightly longer. Maybe there will be a few more delays than usual. But history shows the longer funding lapses last, the worse it gets.

Last year proved it. Forty-three days of TSA workers sleeping in cars. Air traffic controllers missing multiple paychecks and calling out sick because they couldn't afford to keep showing up. Airlines forced to cut flight schedules by 10% at major airports because there weren't enough air traffic controllers working.

The system strained. Then it started breaking. Flight schedules got slashed. Security lines got longer. Workers who were still showing up were burned out and demoralized because they were doing the work of multiple people who'd called out.

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