TSA Officers Struggle as Shutdown Continues

Federal workers forced to make tough choices as paychecks dry up

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are facing financial hardship as the government shutdown continues, with many forced to rely on food banks, deplete their savings, and even consider quitting their jobs. The shutdown has led to high absentee rates at some major airports, causing long lines and frustrated passengers. Union leaders say the threat of eviction and inability to pay basic bills are keeping more screeners from showing up to work.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown is putting significant strain on TSA officers, many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck. The financial stress is impacting morale and attendance, which in turn is disrupting airport operations and security screenings across the country. This highlights the human toll of political gridlock and the need for a swift resolution to the budget impasse.

The details

TSA officers have not received a paycheck since mid-February due to the funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security. Many are depleting their savings, skipping medical procedures, and relying on food banks to make ends meet. Some are considering quitting their jobs altogether. Union leaders say the financial hardship is leading to high absentee rates at some major airports, causing long lines and frustration for passengers.

  • The shutdown began on February 15, 2026.
  • As of March 25, 2026, the shutdown has lasted 39 days.
  • If the shutdown continues for another 21 days, one TSA officer says she will seek a new job.

The players

Hydrick Thomas

President of the national American Federation of Government Employees union council that represents TSA employees.

Taylor Desert

A TSA officer at Indianapolis International Airport who has been with 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 9/11.

Mike Gayzagian

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

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What they’re saying

“Stop asking me about the long lines. Ask me if somebody's gonna eat today.”

— Hydrick Thomas, President of the national American Federation of Government Employees union council

“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

“It's very mentally exhausting. 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. I didn't go into public service to make a lot of money. I went into public service because it has a certain stability and reliability and predictability that other jobs don't have.”

— Mike Gayzagian, TSA officer and union chapter president

What’s next

If the shutdown continues for another 21 days, some TSA officers say they will be forced to seek new jobs to make ends meet.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown is putting significant financial strain on TSA officers, many of whom are struggling to pay their bills and support their families. This highlights the human toll of political gridlock and the need for a swift resolution to the budget impasse to ensure the stability and morale of the federal workforce.