Story perspectives

Airline CEOs Demand Congress End TSA Shutdown Now

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Airline CEOs urge U.S. Congress to end the 29-day shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, leaving over 50,000 TSA officers unpaid.
They call the situation unacceptable, noting that long security lines caused travelers to miss flights.
They urge bipartisan legislation to ensure TSA workers are paid during future shutdowns.
The group cites air travel impacts, including 171 million passengers this spring, and notes TSA departures.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days, resulted from a standoff over the Affordable Care Act, affecting approximately 800,000 federal employees. The Transportation Security Administration faced staffing shortages, leading to long lines for 67 million travelers. This event highlighted the significant disruptions caused by shutdowns, prompting airline CEOs to advocate for bipartisan legislation to ensure essential services remain funded during future impasses.

1 of 2

Story summary

Airline CEOs urge U.S. Congress to end the 29-day shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, leaving over 50,000 TSA officers unpaid.
They call the situation unacceptable, noting that long security lines caused travelers to miss flights.
They urge bipartisan legislation to ensure TSA workers are paid during future shutdowns.
The group cites air travel impacts, including 171 million passengers this spring, and notes TSA departures.

1 / 2