TSA Workers Struggle as Government Shutdown Continues

Long security lines at airports as hundreds of unpaid TSA agents try to get by with food donations and gas cards.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:35pm

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The ongoing partial government shutdown is making it increasingly difficult for hundreds of TSA workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to continue working without a paycheck. Union leader Neal Gosman says the situation is unacceptable, with TSA agents needing help with basic necessities like food and gas as they try to keep passengers safe.

Why it matters

The shutdown is causing major disruptions at airports across the country, with long security lines as TSA staffing is impacted. This highlights the human toll on federal workers who are being asked to work without pay, and the broader political dysfunction that is affecting critical government services.

The details

The non-profit group VEAP held a food drive this week to help the nearly 500 TSA workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Union leader Neal Gosman says the food donations are helpful, but many TSA agents also need assistance with gas to get to work. The Metropolitan Airports Commission has been accepting gas card donations to support the unpaid workers.

  • The latest government shutdown has been ongoing for several months.
  • This is the third shutdown the TSA workers have faced in just six months.

The players

Neal Gosman

Union leader representing TSA workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

VEAP

A non-profit organization that held a food drive to support unpaid TSA workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

Metropolitan Airports Commission

The organization that has been accepting gas card donations to assist the unpaid TSA workers.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of a paycheck, I'm getting cornflakes. That's great. I really appreciate VEAP doing this. This is not a way to treat a federal employee. We're trying to keep people safe. This has happened over and over again. This is no way to run a government for the people.”

— Neal Gosman, Union leader (WCCO Radio)

“This is dereliction of duty of people who are elected both in the administration and in Congress. We're doing our job. We're coming in and we're putting ourselves at risk. We're screening passengers. We're looking for bombs and bags, and we're not getting paid.”

— Neal Gosman, Union leader (WCCO Radio)

What’s next

As the government shutdown continues, there are concerns that more TSA workers may stop showing up for work, further exacerbating the long security lines at airports. Lawmakers will need to reach a resolution to end the shutdown and ensure federal workers are paid.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the real human impact of political dysfunction, with essential federal workers being forced to work without pay and rely on charity to get by. It underscores the need for lawmakers to put partisan politics aside and find a solution to end the government shutdown.