New Orleans TSA Workers Receive Pay, But Uncertainty Remains

Paychecks arrive with complications as Congress continues to debate DHS funding

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:40am

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A cinematic painting of a lone TSA agent standing in an empty airport terminal, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying the melancholy and uncertainty facing these federal workers caught in political gridlock.The financial strain of the DHS funding impasse has left many TSA workers in New Orleans facing lasting consequences, even as paychecks begin to arrive.New Orleans Today

After more than 40 days without pay, nearly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers in New Orleans and across the country are finally beginning to see money come through. However, many report missing overtime, damaged credit scores, and concerns they may not receive their next check as the political back-and-forth over DHS funding continues.

Why it matters

The ongoing funding uncertainty for the Department of Homeland Security has left TSA workers in New Orleans and across the country in financial limbo, with some forced to dip into retirement savings and facing lasting damage to their credit scores. This highlights the real-world impact of political gridlock on federal employees.

The details

According to Antoinette Wade, president of AFGE Local 1047 representing Louisiana and Mississippi, not all wages have been fully restored, with many workers still missing pay from the first partial paycheck. The delays come as Congress continues working toward a deal to fund the DHS, leaving TSA officers caught in the middle. Officials say back pay for the last two missed paychecks has been distributed, but workers report discrepancies in those payments, including missing overtime hours and comp time.

  • After more than 40 days without pay, TSA workers began receiving paychecks.
  • Congress continues to work toward a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

The players

Antoinette Wade

President of AFGE Local 1047, representing Louisiana and Mississippi TSA workers.

Rep. Clay Higgins

Republican Congressman from Louisiana who credits former President Trump with providing relief funds.

Rep. Julia Letlow

Republican Congresswoman from Louisiana who has voted multiple times to fully fund DHS.

Rep. Troy Carter

Democratic Congressman from Louisiana who voted against a recent House bill, saying a bipartisan Senate compromise offers a better path forward.

Steve Scalise

House Majority Leader and Republican Congressman from Louisiana who supports TSA agents receiving their full paychecks.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone that I know is still missing pay period three, which is that first partial paycheck.”

— Antoinette Wade, President of AFGE Local 1047

“This whole system where we're put in the middle of these political games — it's just not sustainable anymore.”

— Antoinette Wade, President of AFGE Local 1047

“Our lives are being held hostage during this time because we can't make any decisions, not knowing how financial situations are going to be.”

— Antoinette Wade, President of AFGE Local 1047

“We're grateful for money coming in, but we're still not out of the woods yet.”

— Antoinette Wade, President of AFGE Local 1047

“We don't have anything in writing that even says that we'll get paid the next paycheck we are supposed to get.”

— Antoinette Wade, President of AFGE Local 1047

What’s next

Congress continues to work toward a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which will determine the long-term financial stability for TSA workers.

The takeaway

The ongoing funding uncertainty for the Department of Homeland Security has left TSA workers in New Orleans and across the country in financial limbo, highlighting the real-world impact of political gridlock on federal employees. While paychecks have started to arrive, many workers are still facing lasting consequences, including damaged credit scores and depleted retirement savings.