Story perspectives

TSA Faces Long Lines as Shutdown Forces Employee Exodus

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces long lines at airports due to absenteeism and a shutdown.
More than 455 TSA employees have quit amid pay uncertainty.
Union leaders cite personal tolls, including a Florida couple depleting savings and an Idaho grandmother selling her car.
TSA officers say they feel betrayed as they continue to work without pay.
A House Homeland Security hearing on the shutdown's impact is scheduled for today.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces long lines at airports due to absenteeism and a shutdown.
More than 455 TSA employees have quit amid pay uncertainty.
Union leaders cite personal tolls, including a Florida couple depleting savings and an Idaho grandmother selling her car.
TSA officers say they feel betrayed as they continue to work without pay.
A House Homeland Security hearing on the shutdown's impact is scheduled for today.