Story perspectives

TSA PreCheck Program to Continue Amid Shutdown

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program (TSA PreCheck) would remain operational.
The DHS statement contradicted an earlier claim that TSA PreCheck would be suspended amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
The TSA said it would monitor staffing issues and adjust operations as needed.
The Global Entry program remains suspended.
DHS will halt courtesy escorts for Congress members at airports.

History

Historical Context

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in response to the September 11 attacks, with the Aviation and Transportation Security Act signed into law on November 19, 2001. In 2013, the TSA launched the PreCheck program to expedite security for low-risk travelers, now available at over 200 airports. The recent DHS decision to maintain PreCheck during a government shutdown highlights ongoing challenges in balancing security and budgetary constraints.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program (TSA PreCheck) would remain operational.
The DHS statement contradicted an earlier claim that TSA PreCheck would be suspended amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
The TSA said it would monitor staffing issues and adjust operations as needed.
The Global Entry program remains suspended.
DHS will halt courtesy escorts for Congress members at airports.

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