Historic 75-day DHS shutdown leaves TSA strained and airports in chaos
The longest shutdown of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in history ended on Thursday after 75 days. Tens of thousands of TSA officers worked without pay during the standoff, while airport security lines stretched for hours across the country. The shutdown began due to a dispute over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding, not airport security. Despite reduced screening measures, no security breaches occurred during the 75-day halt or a separate shutdown in October 2025.
Over 1,100 TSA officers resigned during the period, adding strain to an already stretched workforce. The agency, which costs taxpayers around $11 billion annually—more than the entire Coast Guard budget—relies heavily on post-9/11 security measures. Yet, Congress diverts roughly a third of the September 11 Security Fee, totalling $1.6 billion in 2023 alone, to the Treasury’s general fund.
The next funding deadline for DHS is set for September 30, raising concerns about another potential standoff. The shutdown left many TSA workers unpaid and airports overwhelmed by delays. With another funding battle looming, the agency now faces the challenge of recovering from staff shortages and maintaining security. The dispute also highlights ongoing debates over how security fees are allocated.
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