Long Security Lines Plague Airports as TSA Officers Go Unpaid

Government shutdown leaves transportation security agents without paychecks, contributing to staff shortages and delays

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Passengers at several major U.S. airports have faced hours-long security lines this week as the ongoing government shutdown leaves Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers without pay. With more than 300 TSA agents leaving their jobs since the shutdown began, the staffing shortages have caused significant delays at airports in Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta. The shutdown, which has lasted over a month, has left TSA officers - who are required by law to work during the lapse in funding - without a full paycheck, leading to increased absenteeism as some seek other work to pay their bills.

Why it matters

The security delays at airports highlight the real-world impacts of the political gridlock in Washington, as the shutdown drags on and essential government services are disrupted. The situation has also fueled resentment among TSA workers, who question why funding is available for military operations abroad but not to pay their own salaries.

The details

Transportation Security Administration officers are required by law to work during a lapse in government funding, but more than the usual number have been absent from their posts after receiving only a partial paycheck during the most recent pay period. TSA officers will miss an entire paycheck this weekend if the shutdown continues. The lack of pay has contributed to absenteeism, as some officers miss work to seek other employment to cover their bills. Union officials say the shutdown has led to evictions for some TSA colleagues and has caused others to go without lunch or make other sacrifices.

  • 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 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 Washington state.

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, American Federation of Government Employees Council 100 (dailyfly.com)

“One of the things that I've heard from the colleagues is that, man, we got plenty of money to go fight wars and bomb Iran, but we can't pay our own employees.”

— Johnny Jones, Secretary-treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees Council 100 (dailyfly.com)

“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, U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee (dailyfly.com)

“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 (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the real-world impacts of political gridlock in Washington, as essential government services are disrupted and the burden falls on frontline workers and the traveling public. It also raises questions about funding priorities and the treatment of federal employees during a shutdown.