TSA Funding Plan Fails, Long Security Lines Persist

Airline passengers continue to face abnormally long waits as TSA officers struggle without paychecks.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:35am

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Despite efforts by U.S. Senators to secure funding for the TSA, a new plan failed to pass, leaving airport security lines across the country excessively long. Nearly 400 TSA officers have quit since the partial government shutdown began, including over 20 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The delays have taken a toll on TSA officers' personal finances and credit scores, but they remain committed to their mission of ensuring traveler safety.

Why it matters

The inability to fund the TSA has led to staffing shortages and long wait times at airports, frustrating passengers and putting pressure on the agency's dedicated officers who are struggling without paychecks. This highlights the political gridlock around funding critical government services and the impact it can have on the daily lives of citizens.

The details

U.S. Senators brought a plan to the Senate floor in an attempt to secure funding for the TSA, but the plan failed to get enough votes to pass. This has left airline passengers in many parts of the country waiting in abnormally long security lines. Nearly 400 TSA officers have quit since the start of the partial government shutdown on Feb. 14, including over 20 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The delays have taken a toll on the personal finances and credit scores of TSA officers, who are not receiving paychecks. Despite the hardships, the officers remain committed to their mission of ensuring traveler safety.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • Nearly 400 TSA officers have quit since the start of the shutdown.

The players

AFGE Local 777

The labor union representing local TSA officers.

Christine Vitel

Executive Vice President of AFGE Local 777, representing local TSA officers.

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What they’re saying

“I am just asking the public, please be patient because they are human officers. They have human feelings. They are dedicated and showing up to work and dedicating being there without a paycheck. Be patient with them. They're not going to be all happy and stuff like that because they do have other things on their mind.”

— Christine Vitel, Executive Vice President, AFGE Local 777

“Their mission and what they are doing to represent the agency is still 100% there. Everybody, their safety comes first. They took an oath. Officers took an oath.”

— Christine Vitel, Executive Vice President, AFGE Local 777

What’s next

The Senate will likely continue to debate and attempt to pass legislation to secure funding for the TSA in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the real-world impact of political gridlock, as the inability to fund the TSA has led to staffing shortages, long wait times, and financial hardship for dedicated public servants who are committed to keeping travelers safe. It underscores the need for lawmakers to find bipartisan solutions to fund critical government services.