Travelers across the United States may soon face longer airport security lines and major travel delays as the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown continues to disrupt Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that the funding stalemate in Washington is already putting pressure on airport security staff and could make travel far more difficult for millions of Americans.
Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, Duffy said the shutdown is creating financial hardship for TSA officers who have now missed full paychecks.
As a result, airport staffing shortages are beginning to impact security screening times.
“Some TSA officers are taking on second jobs just to support their families,” Duffy said. “When that happens, it affects staffing and travelers begin seeing longer wait times.”
With spring break travel season underway, the timing could not be worse for American airports.
Airport Security Lines Stretching for Hours
According to Duffy, some airports are already experiencing security wait times as long as three to four hours.
The Transportation secretary said approximately 300 TSA officers have already resigned, while employee call-outs have doubled since the shutdown began.
Without steady paychecks, many TSA agents are struggling to keep up with everyday expenses while still reporting to work.
The staffing shortages are creating significant pressure on airport security operations at one of the busiest travel times of the year.
DHS Funding Fight at the Center of the Shutdown
The disruption stems from a budget standoff in Washington over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Republicans are pushing for legislation that fully funds the department’s major agencies, including:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Democrats, however, say they are willing to fund some DHS divisions such as TSA but oppose approving funding for immigration enforcement agencies unless the Trump administration agrees to broader immigration policy changes.
Duffy criticized the stalemate and urged lawmakers to reopen DHS before continuing policy negotiations.
“My hope is that Democrats will come to their senses, reopen the department, and then sit down for negotiations,” Duffy said. “But holding national security agencies hostage during a political fight is not the right approach.”
The partial shutdown has now stretched to 30 days, leaving federal employees and travelers facing growing uncertainty.
Security Concerns Add Pressure
The budget fight is unfolding during a week that has already seen several serious security incidents across the country.
Authorities recently investigated:
- An ISIS-inspired bomb plot in New York
- A vehicle attack and shooting targeting a synagogue in Michigan
- A shooting involving ROTC members at Old Dominion University in Virginia
Duffy argued that these incidents demonstrate why DHS agencies must remain fully funded and operational.
He also referenced Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, whose state was the site of the synagogue attack.
Duffy noted that Slotkin previously voted against DHS funding measures but is now calling for the department to reopen following the incident in her state.
What Travelers Should Expect
Until the funding dispute is resolved, travelers could face continued disruptions at airport security checkpoints.
Experts say passengers should prepare for:
- Longer TSA screening lines
- Possible flight delays
- Reduced airport staffing
Travelers are being encouraged to arrive at airports earlier than usual and allow additional time for security screening.
If the shutdown continues, airport congestion could worsen during the busy spring and summer travel seasons.
For now, the future of DHS funding remains uncertain as lawmakers continue negotiations in Washington.