Travelers Face Lengthy TSA Lines Amid DHS Shutdown

Photos show the impact on passengers as TSA agents work without pay

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:24pm

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With Republicans and Democrats in Congress unable to reach an agreement on Department of Homeland Security funding for 2026, the third DHS shutdown in six months has led to hundreds of TSA agents quitting and severe delays at airports across the U.S. Travelers have shared photos of unusually long security lines, with one Atlanta passenger telling CNN "This is not right...We're the ones that are suffering for this."

Why it matters

The repeated DHS shutdowns have created a staffing crisis at the TSA, with hundreds of agents quitting due to lack of pay. This is causing major disruptions for air travelers, who are facing lengthy delays at security checkpoints and a heightened risk of missing flights.

The details

Since February 13, the DHS has been operating without funding as Congress has failed to reach a new budget agreement. This has forced TSA agents to work without paychecks for the third time in the last six months. According to NBC New York, at least 376 TSA agents have quit since February 14, and fliers are now experiencing the severe impact at airports across the country.

  • The DHS funding lapse began on February 13, 2026.
  • At least 376 TSA agents have quit since February 14, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal department responsible for public security, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, which has failed to reach an agreement on DHS funding for 2026.

TSA Agents

Federal transportation security officers who staff airport security checkpoints, many of whom have quit due to lack of pay during the DHS shutdown.

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What’s next

Congress will need to reach a new funding agreement for the DHS in order to end the staffing crisis at the TSA and restore normal security operations at airports.

The takeaway

The repeated DHS shutdowns have created a severe staffing shortage at the TSA, leading to lengthy security lines and disruptions for air travelers. This highlights the need for Congress to find a long-term solution to avoid these types of recurring crises that impact the public.