A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday impacts the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country.
Travelers with airline reservations may be nervously recalling a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year.
Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS’ annual funding.
TSA officers also worked through the record shutdown that ended Nov. 12, but aviation experts say this one may play out differently.
According to the department’s contingency plan, about 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working.
About a month into last year’s shutdown, for example, TSA temporarily closed two checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport.
“Not only are they not getting paid,” he said of TSA agents, “they’re probably working with reduced staff and dealing with angry travelers.”. »
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