United States travelers may encounter extended wait times at airports due to the suspension of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck and Global Entry programs, confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday. The move follows a partial government shutdown now in its second week, which commenced on February 14 as lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on DHS funding.
In a statement provided to CBS News, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that TSA and Customs and Border Protection would prioritize the general traveling population at airports and ports of entry, thereby suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. The shutdown has affected several agencies within DHS, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coast Guard, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, among others, impacting approximately 13% of the total federal civilian workforce.
The shutdown's repercussions have been criticized by Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Thompson accused President Trump and Secretary Noem of "purposely punishing the American people and using them as pawns for their sadistic political games," stating that the suspension would increase airport lines and burden DHS staff who are working without pay due to the ongoing shutdown and the tragic shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota last month by federal immigration agents.
TSA PreCheck is a membership program that expedites airport security screenings for participants after an application, TSA background check, and fee payment. Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to enroll in the program.
United States residents, including citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain international travelers, are eligible for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs. As of 2024, over 20 million individuals have enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Global Entry, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is intended for frequent international travelers. In addition to Americans, the program is accessible to citizens of nearly two dozen other countries.
Governor Kristi Noem has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will prioritize disaster response due to an approaching winter storm forecasted to hit the Northeast on Sunday. The decision follows expectations of another significant winter storm impacting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States this weekend.
This partial shutdown comes after a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which ended in November. That shutdown was primarily driven by Democratic demands to extend expiring health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. During that time, TSA employees were required to work without pay and later received backpay upon the shutdown's conclusion. Now, they are once again working without immediate compensation due to the current partial shutdown.
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