TSA Agent at BWI-Marshall Discusses Shutdown Challenges

Robert Williams urges lawmakers to work together to get TSA agents paid during partial government shutdown.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:14am

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A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Robert Williams, is speaking out about the challenges he and his colleagues are facing due to the partial government shutdown. Williams, who has not been compensated for his work since January, expressed frustration at being used as a 'political pawn' and urged lawmakers to come together to resolve the funding dispute so that TSA agents can get paid.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has had a significant impact on federal workers like TSA agents, who are required to continue working without pay. This has created financial hardship and uncertainty for these employees, many of whom have families to support. Williams' comments highlight the human toll of the political stalemate in Washington and the need for a swift resolution.

The details

Robert Williams, a TSA agent at BWI-Marshall Airport, has missed two paychecks since the partial government shutdown began in January. While he is currently getting by financially, Williams expressed concerns about how much longer he can continue working without compensation. He feels that TSA agents are being used as 'political pawns' in the ongoing dispute between lawmakers over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding.

  • The partial government shutdown began in January 2026.
  • Williams has missed two paychecks since the shutdown started.

The players

Robert Williams

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

WBAL

The local news station that interviewed Williams about the challenges faced by TSA agents during the partial government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“I'm getting along, but as you get more mature in your work career you look forward to the day when you can retire, so this is definitely not helping that.”

— Robert Williams, TSA Agent

“It's really frustrating and confusing that men and women who have families would deny other men and women their pay.”

— Robert Williams, TSA Agent

What’s next

Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are still locked in a battle over ICE funding, which has led to the partial government shutdown. The next step is for these lawmakers to work together to resolve the funding dispute and ensure that federal workers like TSA agents are paid for their continued service.

The takeaway

The partial government shutdown has had a significant impact on federal workers like TSA agents, who are required to work without pay. This has created financial hardship and uncertainty for these employees, highlighting the need for lawmakers to put politics aside and find a solution that ensures federal workers are compensated for their vital public service.