TSA workers are missing their first full paycheck as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues. Transportation Security Officers must still report to work despite not receiving pay. Officials warn the standoff in Congress could soon worsen airport delays and staffing shortages.
TSA officers miss first full paycheck
Transportation Security Administration employees are set to miss their first full paycheck Friday.
The lapse comes nearly four weeks into a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
Earlier in the shutdown, workers received only about 30% of their normal pay.
Now, thousands of airport security officers are required to work without any paycheck while lawmakers remain deadlocked.
Political stalemate keeps DHS closed
Congress has failed to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Democrats say they will not approve funding for certain immigration enforcement agencies without major reforms.
Republicans argue those conditions are unacceptable and accuse Democrats of blocking negotiations.
The dispute centers around agencies including:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Until lawmakers reach a compromise, TSA workers remain caught in the middle.
Airport delays already worsening
The financial strain on workers is starting to affect airport operations.
According to internal TSA data:
- More than 300 TSA officers have quit during the shutdown
- Unscheduled absences have more than doubled
Airports are already seeing longer security lines.
Some airports are warning travelers to arrive up to five hours early before flights.
Industry leaders say the situation may worsen if more officers leave their jobs.
Workers struggling without pay
Many TSA employees live paycheck to paycheck.
Union officials say some workers are taking drastic steps to stay afloat.
Reports indicate some employees are:
- Working second jobs such as ride-share driving
- Donating plasma for extra income
- Sleeping in cars or at airports to save money
Rising gas prices are also making it harder for workers to commute to their shifts.
Travel industry warns of growing disruption
Airport leaders say the shutdown could soon disrupt travel nationwide.
TSA employees have already worked without pay for nearly half of the workdays in fiscal year 2026, according to the American Association of Airport Executives.
Industry officials say the longer the shutdown continues, the more likely travelers will experience major delays.
Some analysts warn lawmakers may only act once disruptions become severe enough to pressure Congress.
What happens next
Lawmakers remain divided over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Until Congress passes a funding bill, TSA officers will continue working without pay.
Officials say workers will eventually receive back pay, but the timeline remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, travelers may face longer security lines and increased delays at airports across the country.
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