TSA Officers Struggle Amid Ongoing Shutdown

Federal workers describe financial hardship, tough choices as they work without pay

Mar. 25, 2026 at 9:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are facing financial hardship as the partial government shutdown continues, with many forced to make difficult choices about paying bills, affording food, and even quitting their jobs. TSA workers across the country have described depleting savings, skipping medical care, and relying on food banks to get by while working without paychecks.

Why it matters

The ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is having a significant impact on the lives of TSA officers, who are essential to maintaining airport security and passenger safety. The financial strain is leading to high absentee rates at some major airports, further disrupting travel and raising concerns about public safety.

The details

TSA officers have reported a range of financial challenges, from putting off medical procedures to dipping into savings and even considering quitting their jobs. Some have turned to food banks or asked relatives for help to make ends meet. Union leaders say the threat of eviction and the inability to afford childcare are keeping more TSA workers from showing up, exacerbating long lines and understaffing at security checkpoints.

  • The partial government shutdown began in mid-February 2026.
  • TSA officers missed their first paycheck on February 14, 2026.
  • As of March 24, 2026, the shutdown had lasted for 39 days.

The players

Taylor Desert

A TSA officer at Indianapolis International Airport who has worked for the agency for seven years.

Oksana Kelly

A TSA agent at Orlando International Airport and an organizer for the labor union representing TSA workers across central and northern Florida.

Rebecca Wolf

A 53-year-old TSA officer and union leader in Boise, Idaho, who joined the agency soon after its creation following the 9/11 attacks.

Mike Gayzagian

A TSA officer at Boston's Logan International Airport and president of his local TSA union chapter.

Robert Echeverria

A former TSA agent at Utah's Salt Lake City International Airport who quit his job about two weeks into the current shutdown.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I never thought I would be in a position where, working for the federal government, I would need to go to a food bank to supplement my groceries.”

— Taylor Desert, TSA officer

“How do we even decide between being able to feed our kids or come to work?”

— Oksana Kelly, TSA agent and union organizer

“I worked hard to get to where I am now, and the thought I might lose it all scares me.”

— Rebecca Wolf, TSA officer and union leader

“The financial situation adds an additional burden to what is already a stressful job.”

— Mike Gayzagian, TSA officer and union president

“They all feel betrayed by their government because they're showing up to work. They're there, but they feel that the government doesn't care for them.”

— Robert Echeverria, Former TSA agent

What’s next

If the shutdown continues for another 21 days, TSA officer Taylor Desert said she would seek another job, as she cannot afford to deplete her entire savings.

The takeaway

The ongoing financial strain on TSA officers due to the partial government shutdown highlights the difficult choices federal workers are forced to make when their paychecks are withheld. This situation raises broader questions about the stability and reliability of public sector employment, as well as the impact of political gridlock on essential government services and the lives of civil servants.