Story perspectives

Government Shutdown: TSA Absenteeism Causes Airport Chaos

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The partial government shutdown severely impacts U.S. airports as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces unprecedented absenteeism.
About 2,700 TSA workers, roughly 10% of personnel, called out sick, with some airports reporting 40.8%.
House Democrats seek to exclude Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the budget.
Aviation officials warn shortages could raise wait times at major hubs such as Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta as spring travel increases.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown in 2013, lasting 16 days, furloughed approximately 800,000 federal employees and disrupted services nationwide, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This event stemmed from a political impasse over the Affordable Care Act. The current partial shutdown, affecting 2,700 TSA workers, echoes past crises, highlighting ongoing budgetary conflicts that jeopardize public services and safety.

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Story summary

The partial government shutdown severely impacts U.S. airports as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces unprecedented absenteeism.
About 2,700 TSA workers, roughly 10% of personnel, called out sick, with some airports reporting 40.8%.
House Democrats seek to exclude Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the budget.
Aviation officials warn shortages could raise wait times at major hubs such as Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta as spring travel increases.

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