Travel groups and airlines are alerting the public about impending disruption following the partial shutdown of the US federal government due to a failure to reach funding agreements for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Organizations like Airlines for America have raised concerns about potential delays as the risk of unscheduled absences of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers increases. They emphasize that both travelers and the economy cannot afford to have TSA personnel working without pay. The shutdown started at midnight after Congress failed to pass a bill to fund the DHS, and it may have significant effects on agencies including the TSA and US Coast Guard.
Democrats have been advocating for immigration reforms as part of the funding negotiations but faced obstacles in their push. Recent failed attempts to pass funding bills have stemmed from demands for tighter controls regarding immigration enforcement. The situation echoes the lengthy shutdowns of the past, which caused considerable disturbances in federal operations. If the shutdown continues, TSA agents may have to work without pay, potentially leading to longer lines at airports as workers may call in sick. Potentially up to 56,000 Coast Guard workers are also at risk of going unpaid, affecting critical missions not deemed lifesaving.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains funded, which minimizes the chaos in air travel compared to prior shutdowns, tension remains high as Congress takes recess, with no clear path to an agreement in sight.
Democrats have been advocating for immigration reforms as part of the funding negotiations but faced obstacles in their push. Recent failed attempts to pass funding bills have stemmed from demands for tighter controls regarding immigration enforcement. The situation echoes the lengthy shutdowns of the past, which caused considerable disturbances in federal operations. If the shutdown continues, TSA agents may have to work without pay, potentially leading to longer lines at airports as workers may call in sick. Potentially up to 56,000 Coast Guard workers are also at risk of going unpaid, affecting critical missions not deemed lifesaving.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains funded, which minimizes the chaos in air travel compared to prior shutdowns, tension remains high as Congress takes recess, with no clear path to an agreement in sight.
