Travel Industry Pushes DHS Funding Fix
The travel industry is urging Congress to end the Department of Homeland Security funding stalemate, warning that a prolonged shutdown could disrupt airport security during busy spring break season. The industry is particularly concerned about TSA and port workers missing paychecks, which could worsen staffing shortages and delays beyond the existing Iran war disruptions.
A previous 43-day government shutdown in the fall of 2025 cost the U.S. travel sector an estimated $6.1 billion in economic losses. That shutdown led to over 9,000 flight delays and cancellations, affecting more than six million travelers. Industry leaders are pointing to these figures as a warning of what's to come if the current stalemate isn't resolved. The current partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security began on February 14, 2026, after lawmakers failed to agree on a funding bill, with immigration enforcement policies being the major sticking point. As of March 6, negotiations remain stalled, with Senate Democrats recently blocking another funding measure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated that both sides are "still far apart." A critical date is fast approaching: March 14. This is when approximately 61,000 "essential" TSA employees are expected to miss their first full paycheck. This date coincides with the peak of the spring break travel season, raising concerns about significant staffing shortages due to "sick outs," similar to those seen in past shutdowns. The situation is worsened by a TSA workforce that was already depleted. In October and November of 2025, over 1,100 TSA officers left the agency, a 25% increase from the previous year, with many citing the stress and financial uncertainty of the last shutdown. The average salary for a TSA officer is about $35,000 a year, and many cannot afford to work without pay. Adding to the pressure, the popular Global Entry program has been suspended since February 22, 2026, forcing all international arrivals, including pre-approved travelers, into standard customs lines and adding significant delays. While the TSA PreCheck program remains operational, officials have warned that dedicated lanes could be consolidated if staffing levels drop critically. In response, a coalition of travel organizations, including the U.S. Travel Association and Airlines for America, has launched a "Pay Federal Aviation Workers" campaign. They are urging the public to contact Congress and demand the passage of legislation like the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Keep America Flying Act, which would ensure essential aviation security personnel are paid during any future government funding disputes.
