Overview
- About 95% of TSA personnel are designated essential and are screening passengers without pay under Homeland Security's contingency plan.
- Airports are operating largely as normal, with FAA air traffic controllers funded and paid, limiting the risk of immediate, widespread cancellations.
- TSA’s acting chief warned Congress that financial hardships could trigger last‑minute call‑outs, leading to longer checkpoint lines and missed or delayed flights.
- Travel and airline groups cautioned that prolonged uncertainty could produce localized disruptions as spring travel builds, and they urged a swift funding resolution.
- Talks continue between the White House and congressional Democrats, and reaching a deal within roughly two weeks could keep TSA workers from missing a paycheck.