Airline passengers say TSA paychecks should be restored now
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- American air travelers face long TSA security lines amid a government shutdown that has left TSA employees unpaid since February 14, causing frustration and financial strain for both workers and passengers.
- The shutdown stems from a political standoff, with Democrats refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to immigration enforcement, while Republicans insist on full funding for the entire department.
- TSA officers, deemed essential workers, continue to work without pay, leading to increased absenteeism and resignations, with at least 376 officers quitting during the current shutdown, worsening staffing shortages and delays.
- President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports to enforce immigration laws starting Monday if the shutdown persists, escalating tensions around airport security
