Long Security Lines Plague Airports as TSA Officers Miss Paychecks

Shutdown of Department of Homeland Security leads to staffing shortages and delays at airports across the country

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:49pm

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Passengers at several major airports have faced hours-long security lines this week as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers miss paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Though TSA officers are required by law to work during funding lapses, many have been absent, citing financial hardship from the lack of pay. The shutdown has dragged on as the U.S. Senate remains gridlocked over funding for immigration enforcement agencies.

Why it matters

The security line delays highlight the real-world impacts of the political stalemate in Washington, with federal workers bearing the brunt of the impasse. The situation raises concerns about airport safety and security as TSA staffing shortages persist, and underscores the financial strain on government employees who live paycheck-to-paycheck.

The details

Airports in Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta have all reported exceptionally long security lines this week, with waits topping 3 hours in some cases. TSA officials say over 300 officers have left their jobs since the shutdown began, contributing to the staffing shortages. While the TSA workers are required to remain on the job, many are missing shifts due to financial hardship, with some even facing eviction according to their union. The shutdown impasse centers on a dispute between Republicans and Democrats over funding for immigration enforcement agencies, with each side blaming the other for the political gridlock.

  • Security lines over 3 hours long were reported at Houston's William P. Hobby International Airport on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Lines up to 2 hours long were seen at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Monday.
  • The government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security began on February 14, 2026.

The players

Johnny Jones

The secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, which represents TSA agents.

Patty Murray

The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, from the state of Washington.

Katie Britt

An Alabama Republican who chairs the subcommittee on Homeland Security funding in the U.S. Senate.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“If you're normally receiving a paycheck, you wouldn't have that third group.”

— Johnny Jones, Secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 100 (Oklahoma Voice)

“Right now, TSA agents are going without pay because Republicans and the White House have decided they would rather shut down all of DHS than pass some very basic reforms to rein in ICE and Border Patrol.”

— Patty Murray, Top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee (Oklahoma Voice)

“The American people are tired. Lines get longer at the airports because TSA isn't funded. The American people want us to do our jobs. Republicans are at the table. We're ready to work toward a solution. Democrats have walked away.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (Oklahoma Voice)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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