Democrats' Refusal to Fund DHS Leaves TSA Agents Without Paychecks

Partial government shutdown enters third day, impacting essential workers at airports nationwide.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has entered its third day, leaving thousands of Transportation Security Administration agents and other essential workers without pay as they continue performing critical duties at airports nationwide. The funding lapse stems from a breakdown in negotiations between congressional Democrats and Republicans over proposed restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Why it matters

The shutdown is impacting essential personnel who are required to report for duty despite the lack of funding, putting financial strain on TSA agents and their families. Staffing shortages have also worsened since the previous government shutdown, further straining airport security operations.

The details

TSA screeners, deemed essential personnel, are required to report for duty despite the funding lapse. The impact on workers is mounting, with a union representative noting that agents will have to choose between paying for heat, food, and rent if paychecks don't come through in the next couple of weeks. The shutdown also affects other DHS agencies, including FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service.

  • The funding lapse began early Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Congress is currently in recess until February 23, 2026, leaving a narrow window to resolve the impasse before broader operational impacts emerge.

The players

Democrats

Congressional Democrats have refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security, demanding new restrictions on ICE operations.

Republicans

Congressional Republicans have accused Democrats of holding up critical DHS funding to secure policy concessions.

TSA Agents

Thousands of Transportation Security Administration agents and other essential DHS workers are required to report for duty without pay during the partial government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“This is getting very old, and we're hoping this is not going to become the new normal.”

— Union Representative, for TSA Agents in New England (WPRI)

“A lot of the officers are very anxious because we're in the middle of winter, and now we're going to have to choose between paying for heat and paying for food and rent if the checks don't come through in the next couple of weeks. Because in two weeks, in the next pay period, we're only going to have half a check, and so choices are going to have to be made — and we shouldn't be put in this position again.”

— Union Representative, for TSA Agents in New England (WPRI)

What’s next

Congress is currently in recess until February 23, 2026, leaving a narrow window to resolve the impasse before broader operational impacts emerge.

The takeaway

This partial government shutdown highlights the ongoing political tensions and the impact on essential workers who are required to perform their duties without pay. It raises concerns about the potential for these types of funding lapses to become a recurring issue, putting financial strain on TSA agents and their families.