TSA Reverses Decision to Suspend PreCheck During DHS Shutdown

Courtesy escorts suspended, but TSA PreCheck remains operational for now as agency prioritizes general security screening.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently in a partial government shutdown due to a lack of congressional funding agreement. While this could lead to staffing shortages and delays at airport security checkpoints run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency has reversed an earlier decision to suspend its popular TSA PreCheck program. However, the TSA has suspended courtesy escorts, such as for members of Congress, in order to focus resources on general security screening.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown and potential TSA staffing issues could create travel disruptions for passengers, especially during busy travel periods. The decision to keep TSA PreCheck operational aims to maintain expedited screening for frequent flyers, though the suspension of courtesy escorts may cause inconvenience for some high-profile travelers.

The details

The DHS partial shutdown began after Congress failed to agree on long-term funding for the agency. While most TSA employees will eventually be paid, they may have to work without pay until the shutdown ends, potentially leading to staffing shortages and delays. The TSA initially planned to suspend its TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, but has since reversed that decision, stating the programs will remain operational 'at this time.' However, the agency has suspended courtesy escorts, such as for members of Congress, in order to prioritize general security screening.

  • The DHS partial shutdown began in late 2025 and is ongoing as of February 2026.
  • The TSA initially announced plans to suspend PreCheck and Global Entry on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The TSA reversed its decision to suspend PreCheck and Global Entry on the same day, February 22, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for airport security through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency within DHS that operates airport security checkpoints and screening procedures.

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who initially indicated the TSA would suspend PreCheck and Global Entry programs.

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What’s next

The TSA will continue to monitor staffing levels and may make further adjustments to operations, including potentially suspending PreCheck, if the DHS shutdown persists and leads to significant staffing shortages.

The takeaway

The TSA's decision to keep PreCheck operational, at least for now, aims to maintain expedited screening for frequent flyers during the DHS shutdown. However, the suspension of courtesy escorts suggests the agency is prioritizing general security screening over VIP treatment, underscoring the potential travel disruptions that could arise from the ongoing funding impasse.