US Government Shutdown: TSA Workers Quit Amid Uncertainty

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has become the longest partial government shutdown in US history, impacting 193,867 employees and causing significant disruption. With the impasse over immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) operations, the shutdown has now entered its sixth week, surpassing the previous record of 43 days.

The TSA, a DHS-funded agency, has been hit hard, with more than 3,560 employees, or 12% of the workforce, calling out on Friday. This has resulted in long queues at major airports across the country, including Baltimore, Houston, and New York City. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that over 500 TSA officers have quit, citing financial difficulties in meeting basic needs.

President Trump's memorandum to restore pay to TSA employees has raised questions about its legality and funding source. The memo directs DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to allocate funds for TSA operations and pay employees as if the shutdown had not occurred. However, the White House border czar, Tom Homan, acknowledges that paying TSA agents is just the beginning, with thousands of other DHS employees also affected.

The shutdown has also exposed divisions among lawmakers. The House rejected a Senate bill to fund parts of the DHS, excluding ICE and the US border patrol, creating a rift between Republicans in both chambers. Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Senate bill, while Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed disgust at the lack of action.

Airline and airport executives, along with lawmakers, are urging Congress to act on bipartisan proposals to end the shutdown. The Modern Skies Coalition and Airlines for America have called for immediate legislation to prevent further travel disruptions. However, Eric Chaffee, a law professor, warns that a short-term deal may not lead to a long-term solution due to political polarization.