President Trump signed an executive order directing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pay Transportation Security Administration workers immediately during the government shutdown. The order addresses security personnel shortages that have caused hours-long lines at airports, directly affecting travelers' daily commutes and flight schedules. Johnson stated the government "will reduce the lines and the waits at the airlines" following the announcement, offering relief for millions of passengers facing delays.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that TSA officers should begin receiving pay as early as Monday, March 30, according to a statement to CBS News. Travel expert Clint Henderson noted that security lines could return to normal between two days and two weeks after payments resume, based on patterns from the previous shutdown.
More than 500 TSA workers have quit since the shutdown began, as detailed in reports from the Department of Homeland Security. Workers have resorted to extreme measures such as selling blood, taking extra jobs, and relying on food banks to cover bills, according to accounts shared with NBC News. A TSA worker in Indiana described moving in with family and begging for money, highlighting how the lack of pay has disrupted personal finances and forced tough daily choices.
Travelers at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport blamed both political parties for the long lines, as noted in Fox News reports. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for using TSA staff as leverage in funding disputes.
TSA call-out rates reached their highest level on Thursday, exacerbating staff shortages at major airports like Chicago's O'Hare and New York's LaGuardia. This has resulted in wait times up to six hours, disrupting travel for families and business trips across the country. The ongoing shortages could hinder recruitment efforts, as noted by travel expert Clint Henderson, prolonging recovery even after payments resume.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House would vote on its own funding plan after rejecting a Senate measure. This development follows stalled negotiations where Republicans blocked a deal to fund DHS subagencies, including TSA.
President Trump signed an executive order directing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pay Transportation Security Administration workers immediately during the government shutdown. The order addresses security personnel shortages that have caused hours-long lines at airports, directly affecting travelers' daily commutes and flight schedules. Johnson stated the government "will reduce the lines and the waits at the airlines" following the announcement, offering relief for millions of passengers facing delays.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that TSA officers should begin receiving pay as early as Monday, March 30, according to a statement to CBS News. This directive from Trump aims to reverse the effects of missed paychecks that have forced workers to call out sick at rates nearing 12 percent. Travel experts like Clint Henderson noted that security lines could improve within days of payments, based on patterns from the previous shutdown.
More than 500 TSA workers have quit since the shutdown began, as detailed in reports from the Department of Homeland Security. Workers have resorted to extreme measures such as selling blood, taking extra jobs, and relying on food banks to cover bills, according to accounts shared with NBC News. A TSA worker in Indiana described moving in with family and begging for money, highlighting how the lack of pay has disrupted personal finances and forced tough daily choices.
Travelers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport blamed both political parties for the miles-long lines, as noted in Fox News reports. Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, attributed the crisis to the shutdown's impact on workers, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for using TSA staff as leverage in funding disputes. Rep. Mike Flood, a Nebraska Republican, indicated that the order has eased tensions, potentially leading to a House vote on government funding as soon as Friday.
TSA call-out rates reached their highest level on Thursday, exacerbating staff shortages at major airports like Chicago’s O’Hare and New York’s LaGuardia. This has resulted in wait times up to six hours, disrupting travel for families and business trips across the country. The ongoing shortages could hinder recruitment efforts, as noted by travel expert Clint Henderson, prolonging recovery even after payments resume.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House would vote on its own funding plan after rejecting a Senate measure. This development follows stalled negotiations where Republicans blocked a deal to fund DHS subagencies, including TSA. Rep. Flood suggested the vote might occur tonight, offering a potential step toward resolving the shutdown and restoring full operations for essential workers.
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NBC News reported that some TSA workers took extra jobs, visited food banks, sought help from family, and even sold blood to pay bills during the shutdown.