US airport chaos deepens as TSA staff shortages spark four-hour waits
A partial shutdown of the US Department of Homeland Security has caused chaos at airports nationwide. Since February 14, around 50,000 TSA employees have gone without pay, leading to severe staff shortages and record-long security queues. Passengers now face waits of up to four hours, with some airports reporting absentee rates as high as 50% among screeners.
The shutdown stems from a funding deadlock in Congress. Democrats have blocked legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security unless reforms to ICE and Border Patrol are included. Republicans, in turn, have rejected Democratic attempts to fund only the TSA and other critical agencies, insisting that immigration enforcement must also receive funding.
The impact on airports has been immediate. Major hubs like Atlanta, New York-JFK, Houston, and New Orleans have seen absenteeism spike between 20% and 50%. Over 300 TSA agents have resigned, forcing lane closures and delays that have caused passengers to miss flights. Some airports, including Denver, have even set up donation boxes to support unpaid workers. In response to the crisis, the Senate approved a proposal by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) to end special security screening privileges for members of Congress. The measure, which would remain in effect even after the shutdown ends, aims to push Democratic lawmakers to experience the same delays as the public. Cornyn's proposal explicitly bans TSA from using funds to expedite screenings for politicians.
The shutdown continues to disrupt travel, with no immediate resolution in sight. TSA staff shortages have led to closed checkpoints, longer queues, and growing frustration among passengers. The Senate's decision to strip lawmakers of expedited screening adds pressure, but funding for the agency remains stalled.
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