Airport Closures Loom as DHS Funding Stalemate Continues The ongoing political deadlock in Washington, DC over funding the Department of Homeland Security has caused severe disruptions at airports, with long security lines and potential closures threatening to disrupt travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that smaller airports could be forced to shut down entirely if staffing shortages persist, as federal workers remain unpaid during the government shutdown. Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl emphasized that the situation is dire, stating, “It’s not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if call-out rates go up.” While the TSA does not have the authority to unilaterally close an airport, Stahl explained that operations cannot continue without sufficient personnel to screen passengers and crew. “As the weeks continue, our TSA officers, as long as they don’t get paid, they’re going to continue to call out, they can’t afford to come in, and they’re going to quit altogether,” he said. The funding lapse for DHS, which has lasted over a month, has left TSA workers without pay for their duties during the shutdown. Union leaders reported that many employees have quit or taken unpaid leave due to financial strain, including costs for gas and child care. This has led to widespread staffing shortages, with some airports experiencing nearly half their staff absent on certain days. The impact varies across airports. While major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Houston’s Hobby Airport have seen significant staff absences, they are less likely to close due to their high passenger volume.#transportation_security_administration #dhs_funding_stalemate #adam_stahl #john_pistole #tsa_staffing_shortages
