Effective Sunday at 6 a.m. ET, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is temporarily suspending fast-track travel programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to a funding lapse, according to a DHS official. This decision affects vetted passengers and rapid check-ins for U.S. citizens at airports and border crossings.
The suspension follows a report by The Washington Post and is in response to ongoing negotiations between the White House and Senate Democrats regarding changes to DHS and its Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, following two fatal incidents involving federal law enforcement personnel in Minneapolis during an operation targeting undocumented immigrants.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem attributed the funding shortage to congressional Democrats, stating that the shutdown poses risks to American security and places DHS personnel under financial strain. In a statement, Noem emphasized the potential consequences of the shutdown for both DHS staff and national security, urging politicians to address the issue promptly.
During the funding impasse, personnel at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Coast Guard remain unpaid, although many continue working due to their critical roles. Conversely, ICE and Customs and Border Protection personnel are continuing their paid work under $75 billion in funding approved last year as part of President Donald Trump's tax cut and spending law.
In light of the suspension, CBP and TSA will prioritize the general traveling population, while FEMA will cease non-disaster operations. The full extent of the impact on travelers and border crossings is yet to be determined.
"Washington D.C. braces for winter storm as government shutdown persists: The U.S. capital is preparing for a major winter storm, set to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions this weekend, amidst an ongoing federal funding lapse. In her statement on Saturday, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Beth Cobert highlighted the significance of the situation, stating, 'This is particularly important given this weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States.'"
"The impending weather event, following a series of snowstorms that have already hit the region this season, may compound the challenges faced by federal employees who are working without pay due to the government shutdown. It remains unclear how the agencies responsible for managing emergency responses will be affected by the ongoing funding lapse."
"The White House and congressional leaders continue negotiations in an attempt to reach a resolution over the budget impasse. The shutdown, now in its third week, has left 800,000 federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. As the standoff persists, concerns grow about the potential impact on essential services and national security."
"In her statement, Cobert emphasized that federal agencies are doing everything possible to minimize disruptions during this difficult time. She noted that emergency management remains a priority, with all 50 states, as well as territories and tribes, continuing to receive support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the shutdown."
"The National Weather Service, a component of NOAA, is also operating during the shutdown, ensuring that crucial weather forecasts are still being issued to help protect lives and property. However, there are concerns about the long-term effects of the funding lapse on these agencies and others, as well as on the thousands of federal employees who are affected."
"The situation is a complex interplay between weather, politics, and public service, with implications that extend beyond the immediate impact on those in the path of the storm. As negotiations continue and the winter weather approaches, attention remains focused on how the U.S. government will navigate this challenging period."
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