Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are the main people affected by the recent government shutdown. These agents work at airport security checkpoints screening passengers and bags at U.S airports. Because lawmakers have not agreed on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, TSA agents are working without pay right now. Even though they aren’t being paid, most of them are still required to show up for work as “essential” employees.
This is happening at airports across the United States, including major hubs like Newark, JFK, LaGuardia, and Phoenix, TSA workers at more than 400 airports are affected by the shutdown that began when DHS funding lapsed. The issue isn’t limited to big cities, smaller airports are experiencing the same unpaid staffing situation. Travelers at these airports may notice longer security lines or possible delays if staffing problems grow.
The shutdown that caused this started on Saturday, February 14, 2026, when Homeland Security lost its funding. This is happening right as the busy spring travel season approaches. TSA agents began working without pay the moment the funding gap began. This issue is still ongoing because Congress hasn’t passed a new funding bill yet.
The reason TSA agents are working without pay is because Congress can’t agree on a budget for the Department of Homeland Security. Since TSA is considered essential for airport security, agents are required to keep working even though they aren’t receiving paychecks. Experts worry this could lead to higher absenteeism if workers need money for daily living costs or take other jobs.
