Lawmakers Bypass TSA Lines as Airport Delays Mount Amid Funding Dispute

House Democrat Minority Whip Kathleen Clark escorted past security as TSA agents await pay during DHS budget impasse

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:04pm

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House Democrat Minority Whip Kathleen Clark was seen being escorted through airport security without waiting in standard screening lines as travelers across the country faced extended delays tied to a funding impasse affecting Transportation Security Administration personnel. The incident comes as TSA agents have faced disruptions in pay amid an ongoing dispute over Department of Homeland Security funding, leading to major delays at airports like Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Why it matters

The footage of lawmakers bypassing TSA lines has sparked outrage among the public, who are facing significant travel disruptions due to the funding dispute. The situation highlights the political tensions and inequities in the system, as regular passengers endure long waits while elected officials receive special treatment.

The details

Video shared online showed Clark departing Washington, D.C., while bypassing typical TSA checkpoints, accompanied by staff. Separate footage also showed Sen. Bernie Sanders seated in first class on a departing flight, and another clip appearing to show Senate Majority Leader John Thune leaving with a security escort. Travel disruptions were reported at major airports, including Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where long security lines extended outside terminals. Airport officials warned passengers to expect delays and urged them to arrive several hours early.

  • On March 28, 2026, House Democrat Minority Whip Kathleen Clark was seen being escorted through airport security without waiting in standard screening lines.
  • On the same day, travel disruptions were reported at major airports, including Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

The players

Kathleen Clark

House Democrat Minority Whip who was seen being escorted through airport security without waiting in standard screening lines.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security that has faced disruptions in pay amid an ongoing dispute over Department of Homeland Security funding.

Bernie Sanders

U.S. Senator who was seen seated in first class on a departing flight.

John Thune

U.S. Senate Majority Leader who was seen leaving with a security escort.

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What they’re saying

“Expect longer than normal wait times at checkpoints. Especially if flying out from Concourses A, B or C.”

— Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Airport officials

“If you are traveling today or tomorrow, please arrive to the airport 4 hours early. We have not previously experienced checkpoint wait times similar to what we are seeing this morning.”

— Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Airport officials

What’s next

The House of Representatives has passed a short-term funding measure to provide eight weeks of support for DHS operations, but the legislation now faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where broader disagreements over funding remain unresolved. The outcome of this funding dispute will determine whether the travel disruptions at airports nationwide continue.

The takeaway

The footage of lawmakers bypassing TSA lines has sparked outrage among the public, highlighting the political tensions and inequities in the system as regular passengers endure long waits while elected officials receive special treatment. This situation underscores the need for a fair and efficient airport security system that serves all travelers equally, regardless of their political status.