TSA officers are expected to receive their first paycheck in 44 days this week, even as many U.S. airports continue to experience lengthy security lines. The payroll action could provide relief for staff, but travelers and officials say long waits are likely to persist until staffing stabilizes.
In Houston, security lines that had been packed began to ease compared with the previous day as agents prepared to receive back pay as soon as tomorrow. Other hubs remained strained: Baltimore-Washington International urged flyers to arrive earlier than usual after chaotic scenes the day before.
The staffing shortfall has been acute. Officials report more than 500 TSA employees have resigned since the partial government shutdown began. The rate of officers calling out for work improved slightly — from just over 12% to about 10% — but that absentee level is still roughly five times the normal rate. Both agency leaders and travelers expressed concern about whether resuming paychecks will be enough to bring staffing back to typical levels and reduce wait times.
To help manage crowds, the administration deployed ICE agents to more than a dozen airports, including Baltimore, saying they would assist with crowd control and operational support. The move drew scrutiny amid broader political disagreement over immigration enforcement and agency roles.
Congressional action remained stalled as lawmakers left Capitol Hill for a two-week recess with competing proposals on how to fund the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security unresolved. Democratic leaders have signaled they will not support funding measures that do not include significant reforms to ICE.
President Trump signed a memorandum intended to ensure TSA officers are paid during the shutdown. It remains unclear how quickly that measure will translate into restored staffing levels and shorter security lines. Travelers repeatedly said they want a swift, durable resolution so routine airport security operations can return to normal.