Long security lines form at airports as TSA agents miss first full paycheck amid DHS standoff
Long security lines form at airports as TSA agents miss first full paycheck amid DHS standoff
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport saw extended security queues on Sunday, with travelers enduring delays as they navigated through checkpoints. The congestion arose shortly after TSA staff missed their initial complete payment, a result of the Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing funding dispute. At the domestic terminal, crowds gathered in parallel lines, with digital displays indicating wait times varying from four minutes for TSA PreCheck users to over an hour at general checkpoints.
Despite the long waits and visible fatigue among those in line, most passengers maintained composure. Hartsfield-Jackson, a critical hub for Delta Air Lines, remains one of the nation’s busiest airports. Laronda Monteiro, an Atlanta resident, arrived three hours early for her flight to New Orleans, stating it was worth the effort. “I know we have to be secure, and I just appreciate those who are still with TSA, remaining on the job,” she said. “I can wait for the safety and security.”
“I can wait for the safety and security.”
Morgan Young, returning to Washington, expressed frustration over the disruptions. “It’s stressful, honestly,” she noted. “I feel like Atlanta airport runs as smooth as possible, but it is stressful for sure. And more stressful for the people who aren’t getting paid and are at work.” Young typically uses CLEAR, a private security program costing around $200 per person, but that option was unavailable on Sunday.
The impact of the funding crisis extended beyond Atlanta. Ezer Gill, waiting to pass through security to reach Fort Lauderdale, highlighted the strain on travelers. “Air travel is an essential part of how our country operates, and if we can’t get to where we need to go, it’s going to affect a lot of people,” he said. “It’s affecting me and a lot of the other people, I’ve heard.”
Democratic lawmakers have stalled Republican attempts to pass a new DHS funding bill, citing concerns about the agency’s handling of immigration enforcement. Funding for DHS expired on February 13, and Democrats are demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection before approving a new appropriation. TSA workers, classified as essential employees, have been operating without full pay since the shutdown began. They received a partial payment earlier and missed their first full paycheck on Friday.
Over 300 TSA employees have left their posts since February, according to the agency. Similar scenes unfolded at airports in Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Austin, and Chicago, with videos shared online showcasing lengthy delays. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a traveler posted a TikTok video of a winding queue at 2 a.m., advising others to arrive hours early. “I arrived four hours early and still missed my 2:30 a.m. flight,” the poster noted.
TSA acknowledged the wait times in a Saturday social media post, urging Democrats to resolve the partial shutdown. “A $0 paycheck for those continuing to serve,” the agency wrote on X. “Enough is enough. No more playing politics with the lives of Americans.” A DHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to NBC News’ inquiry on Sunday.
Anthony Riley, 58, continues working at Syracuse Hancock International Airport during the shutdown but fears financial instability. He told NBC News last week that losing his car during the previous government shutdown left him without savings. “The problem is that my credit rating was wrecked by the last government shutdown,” he said.
