Airport Delays Worsen as Congress Fails to Fund TSA

Wait times stretch for hours as TSA officers miss paychecks amid government funding lapse

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Airport delays continue to worsen as a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security failed to advance in the Senate. Officials have warned that some smaller airports could be forced to close due to staffing shortages, and wait times aren't expected to improve until government funding is restored and TSA officers receive paychecks. Democrats declined to provide the support needed to move the funding measure toward final passage, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer saying he would offer an alternative measure to fund just the Transportation Security Administration.

Why it matters

The ongoing funding lapse is causing major disruptions at airports across the country, with long lines and staffing shortages leading to significant delays. This is impacting travelers and raising concerns about public safety, as the TSA plays a critical role in screening passengers and luggage for hazardous items.

The details

More than 300 TSA employees have left the agency since the start of the DHS shutdown. Wait times of 120 minutes were reported at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston early Friday afternoon, while Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport reported an 80-minute wait time at its main checkpoint. Billionaire Elon Musk said he would pay the salaries of TSA workers during the funding impasse.

  • Last weekend, TSA officers missed their first full paycheck.
  • On Sunday, more than half of scheduled staff were absent at an airport in Houston.
  • On Wednesday and Thursday, 38% and 32% of officers missed work at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, respectively.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic leader who said he would offer an alternative measure to fund just the Transportation Security Administration.

Elon Musk

Billionaire who said he would pay the salaries of TSA workers during the funding impasse.

Adam Stahl

Acting deputy TSA administrator who said "Our people are hurting" and that some TSA employees are "sleeping in their cars, drawing blood to afford to pay for gas to get to work."

Corinne Gunter

Passenger at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport who told CBS News, "Get it passed. Work together. Come together so that we can continue to pay our people and care for the folks who keep our nation running."

Paco Vélez

President of Feeding South Florida, a food bank that fed nearly 200 TSA workers and their families in South Florida as they go without a paycheck.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Get it passed. Work together. Come together so that we can continue to pay our people and care for the folks who keep our nation running.”

— Corinne Gunter, Passenger

“I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country.”

— Elon Musk

“Our people are hurting. We have individuals sleeping in their cars, drawing blood to afford to pay for gas to get to work.”

— Adam Stahl, Acting deputy TSA administrator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.