Airport Security Lines Grow Amid Partial Government Shutdown

Travelers face long waits at TSA checkpoints as Congress debates DHS funding.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:03am

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Travelers are facing lengthy security lines at a growing number of U.S. airports as the partial government shutdown continues, with the Department of Homeland Security that oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) caught in the budget impasse between Congress and the White House.

Why it matters

The extended security lines caused by TSA staffing shortages during the shutdown are disrupting travel plans and causing frustration for passengers, highlighting the real-world impacts of the political stalemate in Washington.

The details

With many TSA agents calling in sick due to lack of pay, security checkpoints at airports like LaGuardia in New York are seeing significantly longer wait times as fewer staff are available to process travelers. Passengers report having to arrive hours early to ensure they make their flights.

  • The partial government shutdown began on December 22, 2018.
  • The extended security lines have been growing since early January 2019.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for airport security screening of passengers and luggage.

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What’s next

Congress and the White House are expected to continue budget negotiations in the coming days in an effort to end the partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

The extended security lines at airports across the country demonstrate the real-world impacts of political gridlock in Washington, with travelers bearing the brunt of the disruptions caused by the partial government shutdown.