TSA Shutdown: Airport Delays & Worker Impact – Latest News

Long lines and two-hour wait times snarled security checkpoints at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on Friday, March 20, 2026, as a partial government shutdown entered its second month, impacting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing levels.

The disruption stems from a funding standoff that began February 14, after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Negotiations continued Friday, with White House border czar Tom Homan meeting with bipartisan Senate appropriators. Republican senators leaving the meeting indicated the administration had “added” to its latest offer, according to reports. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins described the revised offer as “very fair, reasonable,” and stated they were awaiting a counterproposal from Democrats.

The impact of the shutdown is increasingly visible at airports nationwide. While TSA absences were reported at 9.8% on Thursday, a slight decrease from Wednesday’s 10.2%, some major airports are experiencing significantly higher rates, including 29% at an unnamed location. Approximately 50,000 TSA employees are currently working without full pay.

The situation is prompting concerns about potential airport closures, particularly at smaller US airports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the current difficulties would be minor compared to the consequences of TSA employees missing another paycheck. Hundreds of TSA officers have already resigned rather than work without pay, exacerbating staffing shortages.

Travelers are facing unpredictable wait times, with some reporting delays exceeding two hours. The Senate once again rejected a motion to advance funding for the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, prolonging the impasse.

As of Friday evening, the Senate adjourned without a resolution, and the White House has not publicly responded to requests for comment on the latest offer.