TSA Warns Airport Security Problems Will Worsen Amid DHS Shutdown

Top official blasts Congress for 'holding' the agency 'hostage' as staffing shortages disrupt air travel

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:10am

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A top TSA official warned that security problems at airports are likely to get worse before they get better due to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The acting Deputy TSA Administrator said airports could be forced into suspending operations due to mass callouts that have led to widespread flight disruptions, and blasted Congress for 'holding' the agency 'hostage' over policy concerns.

Why it matters

The TSA shutdown is causing significant disruptions to air travel, with long lines, flight delays, and the potential for some airports to temporarily suspend operations. This highlights the broader political gridlock in Washington and the real-world impacts it can have on the daily lives of Americans.

The details

According to the TSA official, 'callout rates are one of many factors that help to inform our security footprint at every single airport, but again I can tell you, this is going to get worse before it gets better, particularly if we don't have a resolution within the coming days and weeks.' The official warned that smaller airports may be particularly impacted if a significant number of TSA agents call out. Travelers have already faced long lines and delays, with over 5,000 flights nationwide delayed on Thursday alone.

  • The DHS shutdown is in its fifth week as of March 20, 2026.
  • On Tuesday, 40.8% of TSA staffers at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport called out, as did almost 36% at Louis Armstrong New Orleans airport.
  • Data from Atlanta airport saw more than 34% of staff call out on Tuesday, rising to about 38% on Wednesday.

The players

Adam Stahl

The acting Deputy TSA Administrator who warned that airport security problems are likely to get worse before they get better due to the DHS shutdown.

Ed Bastian

The CEO of Delta Air Lines who described the situation of TSA agents working without pay as 'inexcusable.'

Cameron Cochems

A TSA union steward and lead officer in Boise, Idaho who said the morale of TSA agents is getting worse because no one knows when the shutdown will end.

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What they’re saying

“Callout rates are one of many factors that help to inform our security footprint at every single airport, but again I can tell you, this is going to get worse before it gets better, particularly if we don't have a resolution within the coming days and weeks.”

— Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy TSA Administrator

“To hold an entire department hostage, particularly over policy concerns, is, frankly, reckless, and it's, I really think it's, it threatens, really the foundational, you know, job of Congress at large to fund the appropriations process, to fund the executive branch.”

— Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy TSA Administrator

“The morale is getting worse by the day because no one knows when this is gonna end.”

— Cameron Cochems, TSA union steward and lead officer in Boise, Idaho

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.