TSA Officer Speaks Out on Lack of Pay During Partial Shutdown

Robert Williams, a 16-year veteran TSA officer at BWI-Marshall, discusses the financial strain of working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:13am

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Robert Williams, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, is speaking out about the challenges of working without pay during the current partial government shutdown. Williams, who has been a TSA officer for 16 years, is experiencing his third government shutdown and is concerned about the financial impact, especially on newer and younger agents who may not have the same financial cushion. He expects more TSA officers to call out, potentially impacting flights, as working without pay becomes increasingly difficult to sustain.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown, which has impacted the Department of Homeland Security, has left thousands of TSA officers and other federal workers without paychecks. This is occurring during the busy spring break travel season, raising concerns from airlines about potential disruptions to flights and airport operations.

The details

Robert Williams, a 16-year veteran TSA officer at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, is speaking out about the challenges of working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown. Williams said the longer the shutdown lasts, the harder it gets, and he has even considered switching careers. He worries for newer and younger agents who may not have the same financial resources to manage. Williams expects more TSA officers to call out, which could impact flights, as working without pay becomes increasingly difficult to sustain.

  • The partial government shutdown, which has impacted the Department of Homeland Security, began in late 2022 and is still ongoing as of March 2026.
  • Williams has been a TSA officer for the past 16 years and is experiencing his third government shutdown.

The players

Robert Williams

A 16-year veteran Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

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What they’re saying

“If you choose to continue to go to work and not get paid, things will get more difficult. That's kind of a basic principle.”

— Robert Williams, TSA Officer

What’s next

Airlines are urging Congress to act to resolve the partial government shutdown, warning that it is hitting at the worst possible time - during the busy spring break travel season.

The takeaway

This case highlights the financial strain and uncertainty faced by federal workers, including TSA officers, who are required to work without pay during government shutdowns. It raises concerns about potential disruptions to airport operations and travel during peak seasons if more TSA officers are unable to sustain working without paychecks.