Good evening. Long TSA lines have stretched into another week at airports across the U.S., testing travelers’ patience as federal workers and lawmakers remain entangled in a funding standoff.
At New York’s JFK and other busy hubs, security lines have become so long that news crews were barred from filming inside terminals. Travelers say they’re arriving extra early and even packing lunches to cope with uncertain wait times. One flyer told reporters he was “four hours early” just to be safe.
The bottleneck stems from a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration. Thousands of TSA officers have been working without pay for more than six weeks. Union officials say many workers have relied on food banks and donations, and some have left the agency because of the financial strain. Johnny Jones, a 24‑year TSA veteran and union official in Dallas, said missed paychecks and mounting late fees have taken a toll on morale, health and household budgets.
President Trump signed an executive order intended to authorize pay for many federal workers; officials said checks for TSA officers could be issued next week. Still, agency leaders and lawmakers warn that a one‑time payment may not immediately restore staffing levels. Some employees are expected to seek other jobs after prolonged uncertainty, and staffing shortages could keep wait times elevated even after pay resumes.
Meanwhile, Washington remains gridlocked. Members of Congress left the Capitol for a two‑week recess without passing a spending bill to fund DHS and end the partial shutdown. House Republican opposition to a Senate compromise derailed efforts to resolve the stalemate before lawmakers departed. Critics argue the delay forces frontline workers to shoulder the burden of political disagreement and leaves travelers coping with disruptions.
Ali Bauman reports from JFK Airport; Jericka Duncan contributed from the broadcast desk.