DHS Reverses Course on TSA PreCheck Suspension Amid Shutdown

Global Entry program also halted as agency scales back operations due to funding lapse

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially announced a suspension of the TSA PreCheck program on Sunday, citing staffing constraints from the ongoing government shutdown. However, DHS quickly reversed that decision, stating that TSA PreCheck would remain operational. DHS also announced the suspension of the Global Entry arrival processing service and scaling back of other DHS operations like courtesy escorts for members of Congress.

Why it matters

The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs would have caused significant disruption and frustration for millions of travelers, especially during a busy travel period and winter storm. The reversal helps maintain efficient airport security screening, but the broader DHS cutbacks highlight the real-world impacts of government shutdowns on national security operations.

The details

DHS initially announced the suspension of TSA PreCheck screenings, set to take effect at 6 a.m. on Sunday, due to the ongoing funding lapse. However, after public and industry backlash, DHS reversed course, stating that TSA PreCheck would remain operational. DHS also announced the suspension of Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry arrival processing services, as well as scaling back of FEMA operations and ending courtesy escorts for members of Congress.

  • On Sunday, DHS initially announced the suspension of TSA PreCheck screenings, set to take effect at 6 a.m.
  • Later on Sunday, DHS reversed its decision and stated that TSA PreCheck would remain operational.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

A component agency of the DHS responsible for aviation security, including the TSA PreCheck program that allows expedited airport screening for enrolled travelers.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A component agency of the DHS responsible for border security, including the Global Entry program that allows pre-screened travelers to quickly pass through customs.

Chris Sununu

The president of Airlines for America, a trade association representing major U.S. commercial airlines and cargo carriers.

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who criticized the government shutdown and its impacts on DHS operations and national security.

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What they’re saying

“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security. The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (thehill.com)

“The announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly, which is especially troubling at this time of record air travel.”

— Chris Sununu, President of Airlines for America (thehill.com)

What’s next

DHS will continue to evaluate staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis and adjust TSA and CBP operations accordingly as the government shutdown continues.

The takeaway

The reversal on TSA PreCheck suspension helps maintain efficient airport security screening, but the broader DHS cutbacks highlight the real-world national security impacts of government shutdowns, which disrupt critical homeland security functions and inconvenience millions of travelers.