Travelers encountered another day of lengthy security lines as Transportation Security Administration officers continued to work without pay, renewing pressure on lawmakers to find funding for the Department of Homeland Security. National correspondent Skyler Henry reported from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation’s busiest, where frustrated fliers described long waits at checkpoints.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the congestion seen so far is “child’s play” compared with what could happen if Congress fails to resolve DHS funding. The disruptions come on day 34 of the partial government shutdown, with TSA staff morale strained and some checkpoints closed.
Staffing shortages forced the shutdown of several checkpoints at airports in Houston and Philadelphia and contributed to hour-long lines in Atlanta as travelers arrived early to avoid missing flights. Passengers told Skyler Henry they were angered that TSA officers are working without pay.
“You can’t run the airport without them,” one traveler said, while another urged lawmakers to stop playing political games and fund essential services. “These people need to get paid,” another added.
TSA officials reported that more than 10% of officers nationwide called out Wednesday and warned the situation could worsen if the funding stalemate continues. Many officers emphasized they aren’t motivated by politics but by showing up to do their jobs.
On Capitol Hill, CBS colleague Caitlin Huey-Burns pressed lawmakers about when employees will be paid. One critic called it “despicable” that some members won’t work to find a solution while they continue to receive paychecks themselves.
Georgia Republican Congressman Mike Collins, who was stopped by reporters on his way back from Washington, said, “It’s time to fund this agency, especially when we’ve got an armed conflict going on in the Middle East.”
Most travelers spoken with said they heeded warnings and arrived at the airport hours before departure, but with no deal in sight in Washington, their options are limited. “Have a plan and hope for the best,” one passenger said. For now, that is the strategy many are relying on as lawmakers debate next steps.