Millions to Lose TSA PreCheck Access During Shutdown

Department of Homeland Security pauses expedited airport screening and border entry programs as funding lapses.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security announced it will suspend the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs starting Sunday, February 22 at 6 a.m. ET as the partial government shutdown continues. Millions of travelers who paid for expedited screening and faster customs processing will soon find themselves back in the regular lines.

Why it matters

The suspension of these trusted traveler programs will lead to longer wait times and disruptions for millions of air travelers, further straining an already overburdened transportation system during the shutdown.

The details

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is 'focusing on the general traveling public' and has suspended 'courtesy and special privilege escorts' as one of several 'tough but necessary' decisions during the funding lapse. Despite the DHS order, TSA agents at JFK Airport continued to separate passengers into PreCheck and non-PreCheck lines on Sunday morning.

  • The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs will begin on Sunday, February 22 at 6 a.m. ET.
  • The partial government shutdown that led to this decision has been ongoing for several months.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including customs, immigration, and transportation security.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

A component agency of the Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the traveling public in the United States.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security charged with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including immigration.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Adam Stahl

A senior official at the Transportation Security Administration.

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What they’re saying

“The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is extremely disappointing. We are disgusted that over the last 90 days, Democrats and Republicans have used air traffic controllers, TSA, CBP and the entire travel experience as a means to achieve political ends. Travelers should be prioritized, not leveraged.”

— Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association (USA TODAY)

“The suspension of these trusted traveler programs will lead to longer wait times and disruptions for millions of air travelers, further straining an already overburdened transportation system during the shutdown.”

— Adam Stahl, Senior Official, Transportation Security Administration (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has not provided a timeline for when the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs will be reinstated once the government shutdown ends.

The takeaway

The suspension of expedited travel programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry during the ongoing government shutdown highlights how political gridlock can have real impacts on the daily lives of millions of Americans. This disruption to the travel experience underscores the need for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the public over partisan agendas.