The Transportation Security Administration has warned that an increase in absenteeism during the closure could disrupt airport operations across the country.
Video showing massive security line at Austin Airport
Travelers going through security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport faced long lines to get into the airport.
If Congress doesn’t agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security, local airports could close.
Transportation Security Administration workers did not receive their first full paycheck last week, leading to security lines extending outside terminals at some facilities as airport security staff called for other sources of income.
TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News in an interview on “Fox & Friends” that some smaller airports could be forced to close if the situation does not improve.
“It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that, as the weeks go on, if this situation continues, we may literally have to close airports, especially smaller airports if call numbers go up,” Stahl said.
The current partial government shutdown primarily affects funding for DHS, which oversees the TSA.
Due to the partial government shutdown, 50,000 TSA airport security employees were forced to work without pay last month, and 10% of them did not report to work on Sunday, March 15th. TSA employees said they are struggling to make ends meet after not being paid for the first time.
“When you receive a portion of your paycheck, when you expected $2,000 and received $500, and when you expected $2,000 and received zero, you’re now in a $3,500 hole,” Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of AFGE TSA Council 100 and a Dallas-based TSA official, previously told USA TODAY. “There’s no one I can call and ask for $3,500.”
During the last government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, the Trump administration asked airlines to reduce flight schedules at major airports to relieve pressure on Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers, who were working without pay.
During the current partial shutdown, which is fully funded by the FAA, travelers are still suffering the effects of long security lines with TSA officers working without pay.
TSA did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment or confirm whether the idea of closing smaller airports is being considered. The Department of Transportation referred to the Department of Homeland Security.
This is a developing story. Please check the latest information.
Contributed by: Reuters
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.
