Shutdown Leaves TSA Staff Unpaid, Travel Delays Loom

Lawmakers remain deadlocked as DHS funding lapses, requiring TSA officers to work without pay

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security entered a funding lapse on Saturday, keeping Transportation Security Administration officers on the job at U.S. airports without pay as lawmakers remain deadlocked. The standoff comes just months after a previous 43-day shutdown that was estimated to shave billions from real GDP and left nearly 900,000 federal workers either unpaid on duty or furloughed.

Why it matters

Government shutdowns can have significant economic and operational impacts, including flight delays, reduced airport staffing, and lower morale among essential federal workers. This latest lapse in DHS funding raises concerns about potential travel disruptions and the ongoing challenges of maintaining adequate staffing levels at TSA checkpoints.

The details

Under DHS contingency planning, about 95% of TSA employees are classified as essential and must keep working, even as their paychecks stop. This requirement can keep checkpoints open, but it also raises the risk that morale and household budget stress translate into higher absenteeism. Industry advisers are urging flyers to build more time into airport arrivals and to avoid packing mistakes that trigger extra inspection.

  • The DHS shutdown began early Saturday after funding expired at midnight.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown was estimated to shave $7 billion to $14 billion from real GDP.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal department responsible for overseeing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies involved in national security and travel operations.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for security screening of passengers and baggage at U.S. airports.

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What they’re saying

“You may look online and it says two-and-a-half hours.”

— Rose, Industry adviser (Associated Press)

“Practice patience and empathy. Not only are they not getting paid, they're probably working with reduced staff and dealing with angry travelers.”

— Rose, Industry adviser (Associated Press)

What’s next

As the shutdown continues, airport officials and travel industry groups will be closely monitoring staffing levels and operational impacts at TSA checkpoints. Lawmakers will also face pressure to resolve the funding lapse and provide back pay for affected federal workers.

The takeaway

This latest government shutdown underscores the disruptive impact that political gridlock can have on the travel industry and the daily lives of millions of Americans. It serves as a reminder of the need for more stable, long-term funding solutions to support critical federal agencies like the TSA and avoid recurring operational challenges and economic losses.