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The partial government shutdown is causing chaos at airports throughout the nation.
An impasse in the Senate over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has caused a partial government shutdown and has led to TSA agents operating without pay.
TSA agents are entering their second full week without a paycheck, and some are refusing to come to work.
Via NPR
“The officers can’t afford to come to work. The gas is expensive right now,” said Suzette, a security officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport who’s worked for TSA for more than two decades. She requested we only use her middle name because she is not authorized to speak to the media.
TSA agents not showing up for work during a busy spring break season has led to long lines at some of the largest airports around the country.
Videos on social media show how bad the situation has gotten.
Y’all… I’ve NEVER seen Hartsfield Jackson this bad. This is what security looks like this morning (Friday). We’ve talked to people that got to the airport at 3am that missed their 6am flight. @ATLNewsFirst @GAFollowers pic.twitter.com/xsF5h1N1XG
— Ella Dorsey (@Ella__Dorsey) March 20, 2026
🚨HOLY CRAP!!!
The Houston TSA line has now stretched to a mind-blowing 150 minute-wait-time and has snaked around the airport, down an escalator and into BAGGAGE CLAIM!!!
THIS IS INSANE!!!! pic.twitter.com/MhPTc9qttS
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) March 20, 2026
JUST IN🚨: Major disruption at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) this morning 😳 Several TSA checkpoints (including A-West, C, and F) are temporarily closed due to staffing issues from the ongoing partial gov shutdown. Lines shifting—arrive early! pic.twitter.com/j0zYpyBLPG
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) March 19, 2026
As of now, it’s unclear how long the shutdown will last, but if TSA lines get worse, there will be public pressure to resolve it sooner rather than later.