Airport Security Lines Grow as TSA Workers Skip Shifts During Government Shutdown

Congressional leaders are working to end the Homeland Security Department shutdown as airport delays worsen nationwide. TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill will tell lawmakers that some airports are seeing more than 40% of security workers calling out of their shifts.

Congressional representatives will receive a briefing from Homeland Security officials at 10 a.m. Wednesday as airport disruptions continue to escalate during the ongoing department shutdown.

While Senate negotiators work toward an agreement that would restore funding for most department operations, including pay for Transportation Security Administration employees, immigration enforcement programs remain a sticking point in the negotiations.

In testimony prepared for the House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, TSA’s acting chief Ha Nguyen McNeill will report that worker absences have jumped dramatically since the shutdown began. Daily no-show rates have climbed from 4% to 11% across the country, with some airports recording absence rates exceeding 40%.

The staffing crisis has created wait times stretching beyond four hours at certain airports, leading to significant security concerns and causing travelers to miss their flights. The timing coincides with increased spring break travel, adding pressure to an already strained system.

President Donald Trump has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to assist with airport security duties due to the TSA staffing shortage, a move that has raised concerns among some members of Congress. Department records show that 458 TSA officers have resigned entirely since the shutdown began.

McNeill’s prepared testimony will highlight the financial hardships facing security workers who continue reporting to duty without paychecks. Some employees have received eviction warnings, accumulated late payment penalties, and fallen behind on loan obligations.

“TSA employees are dedicated public servants that want to continue to keep the traveling public safe and secure, but they are running out of options to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table,” McNeill said.

The acting administrator will appear alongside other Homeland Security agency leaders to discuss how the funding gap has affected their operations.