Senator Presses DHS Chief to Reopen Global Entry, TSA PreCheck

Nevada's Jacky Rosen concerned about shutdown's impact on air travel and economy

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) is urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reopen the Global Entry program and avoid suspending the TSA PreCheck program, which are intended to facilitate faster travel for pre-vetted, low-risk flyers. Rosen, who represents the major tourist hub of Las Vegas, warned that shutting down these programs would be 'counterproductive' and 'unnecessary', and could have cascading negative effects on the economy.

Why it matters

The Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs are important for supporting air travel and economic activity, especially in major tourist destinations like Las Vegas. Suspending these programs could significantly disrupt travel and have broader economic impacts.

The details

Rosen accused Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski of using their authority to 'pick and choose what government services to provide, withhold, or threaten to withhold to maximize the Administration's political leverage and create uncertainty.' Noem had initially suspended both Global Entry and PreCheck due to staffing issues from the DHS shutdown, but quickly reversed the PreCheck decision after public backlash. However, she has threatened to suspend PreCheck again to prioritize standard security lanes.

  • The DHS shutdown is stretching into its third week.
  • Rosen sent her letter to Noem on February 26, 2026.
  • Noem told CNN on February 29, 2026 that DHS may suspend the PreCheck program again.

The players

Jacky Rosen

A Democratic senator from Nevada who represents the major tourist hub of Las Vegas.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

Corey Lewandowski

Noem's top adviser at DHS, who is serving as a Special Government Employee beyond the statutorily allowed period of time.

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What they’re saying

“The Global Entry program facilitates lawful international travel, strengthens security, improves the traveler experience, and supports U.S. economic activity. As such, it should be immediately reopened and the related … PreCheck program should remain open as well.”

— Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator (The Hill)

“You're going to shut down trillions of dollars. You shut down our economy by shutting down our airspace. You're going to get your revenge alright because you're going to cause the economy to collapse. Good luck with that one.”

— Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator (The Hill)

What’s next

Rosen requested a detailed explanation from Noem by March 2, 2026 on the decision-making process behind suspending Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, as well as a plan and timeline for fully restoring Global Entry services.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the political tensions and potential economic consequences of the Trump administration's actions to restrict government services, even those intended to facilitate lawful travel and support economic activity. It underscores the importance of maintaining critical travel programs, especially in major tourist hubs like Las Vegas.